Iran announces the re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz

Agence France-Presse, quoting the Iranian military command, reported that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed again due to the American blockade.

The United States imposed a naval blockade on Iran in mid-April, which included military operations and restrictions on the movement of ships linked to Iranian ports.

Escalation between America and Iran

This action prompted Tehran to consider the American moves a direct threat to its sovereignty and maritime security, leading to a mutual escalation in statements and warnings.

This coincided with a major disruption to international shipping traffic within the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil trade passes.

Earlier, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that the Strait of Hormuz would be crossed according to a ”specific route” and with Iranian approval.

Qalibaf added in a tweet on the X platform: The status of the strait, whether it is open or closed, and the regulations governing it, will be determined on the ground, not through social media.

He continued: The American president made seven claims in one hour, all of them false. They did not win the war with these lies, and they will not make any progress in the negotiations. And with the continuation of the American blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed.

Opening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced in a statement published via the «X» platform that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Araghchi explained that the passage of ships will be via the «coordinated route» previously determined by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Affairs Organization, as part of arrangements aimed at ensuring the safety of navigation during this sensitive period.

A route determined by the Revolutionary Guard

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy announced alternative shipping routes for crossing the strait, warning of the possibility of anti-ship mines in the main shipping lane.

In a statement accompanied by an explanatory map, the Revolutionary Guard indicated that the security conditions that prevailed in the Gulf and the Strait during the period from March 9, 2025 to April 8, 2026, may have created navigational risks, calling on ships to strictly adhere to safety procedures and coordinate directly with its naval forces.