Iran says it has reimposed “strict control” over the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the United States just a day after declaring the vital oil transit route fully open.
Iranian officials cited the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of its ports as the reason for the reversal, accusing Washington of acting in bad faith. The move underscores the fragile state of the ceasefire dynamics in the region, even as diplomatic talks continue.
U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained that the blockade will remain in place until a comprehensive agreement is reached with Tehran. U.S. authorities say at least 21 ships have already been turned back since enforcement began earlier this week.
New incidents have added to the volatility. A British maritime monitoring agency reported that Iranian gunboats opened fire on a commercial tanker in the Strait, though the vessel and crew were not harmed. The situation is under investigation, highlighting ongoing risks to global shipping in one of the world’s most critical النفط corridors.
Meanwhile, Iran has begun reopening key infrastructure, including major airports such as Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, as part of efforts to stabilize domestic conditions. However, officials say commercial flights have yet to resume pending final approvals.
The developments come amid a tenuous 10-day ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. While the truce has largely held, both sides remain on alert, with civilians returning to heavily damaged مناطق in southern Lebanon.
The human cost of the conflict continues to mount. Iranian authorities report more than 3,300 deaths since the start of U.S.-Israeli strikes in late February, with thousands more killed across Lebanon, Israel, and neighboring Gulf states. U.S. military casualties have also been confirmed.
With global energy markets, regional stability, and international diplomacy all at stake, the situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile as both sides balance military pressure with ongoing переговоры.
