Iran Re-Closes the Strait of Hormuz and Warns Washington: We Will Not Allow Piracy Against Our Ships
Tehran tightens control over one of the world’s most vital oil corridors and links reopening to the lifting of U.S. restrictions
NYN | Reports and Analyses
Iran announced on Saturday that it has re-closed the Strait of Hormuz, in a new escalation step in response to what it described as the “continued American piracy” and violations of previous understandings related to freedom of navigation.
Tightening Control Over the Strait
According to the official Tasnim News Agency, a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquartersconfirmed that control over the strait “has returned to its previous state,” indicating that the maritime passage is now under strict management and surveillance by Iranian armed forces.
The spokesperson explained that these measures come within the framework of protecting Iran’s maritime interests amid ongoing tensions with the United States.
Accusations Against Washington of Violating Agreements
The military official noted that Tehran had previously agreed, “in good faith,” to allow the passage of a limited number of oil tankers and commercial vessels through the strait, based on understandings reached during negotiation tracks.
However, he accused the United States of continuing to “break its commitments,” asserting that it persisted in carrying out acts of piracy and targeting ships linked to Iran—prompting Tehran to decide to close the strait again.
Conditions for Reopening Hormuz
The spokesperson emphasized that the tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz will remain in place until U.S. restrictions on the freedom of movement of ships to and from Iran are fully lifted.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most important maritime passages in the world, with a significant portion of global oil exports passing through it—making any tension there a source of concern for international markets and global trade flows.
