TEHRAN: Iran’s central military command on Saturday announced it would resume “strict management” of the Strait of Hormuz, reversing an earlier decision to unblock the strategic shipping route as part of ongoing negotiations with Washington.
In a statement broadcast on state television, the military headquarters said the United States had violated its commitments by continuing a naval blockade on ships travelling to and from Iranian ports.It further stated that until Washington restores full freedom of movement for all vessels visiting Iran, “the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain strictly controlled.”
US President Donald Trump said late Friday that he intended to maintain a naval blockade of Iranian ports if a peace agreement with Tehran is not reached, adding that he may not extend the current ceasefire beyond its expiration.Iran had reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
However, Tehran warned that it could close the vital waterway again if the US blockade continues.The ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is scheduled to expire on Wednesday.“Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to remain,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One when asked whether the ceasefire would be extended.
He reiterated that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a deal was reached, prompting Iran to threaten once again to shut the strait. Later on Saturday morning, Iranian state television reported, citing military central command, that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous status” and is now “under strict management and control of the armed forces,” blaming the ongoing US blockade for the move.
The announcement came as maritime tracking websites showed several ships attempting to pass through the narrow waterway, staying close to Iranian territorial waters as directed. Some vessels were seen broadcasting their identities as Indian or Chinese, apparently to indicate neutrality.
The same tracking data also showed that late on Friday, several ships initially moved toward the strait but abruptly turned back amid rising uncertainty.By 0900 GMT on Saturday, multiple vessels had successfully transited the strait in both directions.
However, at least two tankers travelling eastward from the Gulf toward India after loading in UAE ports reportedly turned back and aborted their journeys.