Iran's military command announced the restoration of “strict control” over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of blocking its ships.
This was stated by the spokesman for Iran's Central Headquarters, “Khatam al-Anbiya”, the Iranian news agency Fars reports.
He noted that following previous agreements reached in negotiations, Iran had “agreed in good faith” to allow “controlled passage of a limited number of oil and merchant vessels” through the strait. However, Tehran claims that the US side has repeatedly broken promises, continuing to “commit piracy under the guise of the so-called blockade.”
Tehran has therefore decided to “return to the previous state” and the strait is currently under the “strict management and control of the country's Armed Forces” until the US lifts its blockade of ships heading to or from Iran.
“Until the United States lifts restrictions on vessel traffic to and from Iran, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain strictly controlled and in its previous state,” the statement said.
As a reminder, on April 17, the Iranian government announced that it was unblocking the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, which was adopted on April 16.
“In accordance with the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared fully open for the remainder of the ceasefire period along the agreed route, as already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi wrote.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the opening of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.
“Iran has just announced the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz and readiness for free passage. Thank you,” Trump wrote.
He also reported that the naval blockade of the strait by the US Navy will continue, as the blockade relates to the war the US is waging against Iran.