In brief
The Strait of Hormuz has been closed again by Iran, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stating that any approaching vessels will be targeted. This follows attacks on ships in the area amid ongoing tensions with the United States, which Iran blames for a blockade affecting its ports. The situation raises concerns over global oil supplies as the channel is crucial for energy shipping.
Iran says it is closing the Strait of Hormuz again to commercial vessels and that any ship that approaches it will be targeted.
The closure came as reports emerged of vessels in or near the strait, including a tanker, being targeted by Iranian forces on Saturday.
The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) blamed a continuing US blockade for its decision, which comes a day after Iran's foreign minister announced that the key global shipping channel had been temporarily reopened.
US President Donald Trump stated that Iran cannot 'blackmail' the US regarding the waterway, which has effectively been blocked by Tehran for nearly two months, contributing to rising global energy prices.
IRGC Navy warned that 'no vessel is to move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman.' While some vessels were able to pass through the strait when it was briefly open, access has since been denied.
Furthermore, approaches to the Strait of Hormuz will now be considered cooperation with the enemy, with offending vessels at risk of being targeted.
Existing ceasefire agreements, currently in place, are being violated according to Iran's Supreme National Security Council, halting any reopening of the strait while these tensions persist.
New proposals from the US about peace negotiations are under review by Tehran following the unresolved peace talks earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Iran has been involved in multiple reported attacks on vessels. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), two Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker, while a container ship was hit by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman.
Additionally, India’s foreign ministry has communicated its deep concern to the Iranian ambassador regarding the shooting incident involving Indian-flagged ships.
The Strait of Hormuz is a pivotal maritime route for global oil and liquefied natural gas transport, typically accounting for about 20% of world trade in these commodities. The closure has exacerbated fears about energy supply stability and has led to significant spikes in oil prices.
The situation remains precarious, as Iran has previously threatened to attack tankers and indicated it has laid mines in the strait.
