Hormuz closed again: Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz again, accuses US of violating ceasefire
Hormuz closed again: Iran has once again imposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, reversing its earlier order to open the key chokepoint, accusing the United States of violating the ceasefire.
While swiftly reversing its course, Tehran said it would continue to block the transit through the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect.
The development follows renewed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between both the nations and West Asia. Fresh rounds of talks are expected to take place in Islamabad on Monday with delegations from both the sides are expected to arrive in the Pkistani capital on Sunday.
US President Donald Trump said that even though Iran announced the strait was reopened on Friday, the US blockade will continue until Iran agrees to a deal with the US, including on its nuclear program.
The tensions over this key route could worsen the global energy situation. Oil prices had started to drop earlier as there were hopes of an agreement between the US and Iran, but new restrictions could reduce supply again. Since about 20% of the world’s oil passes through the strait, any disruption can push prices up.
Iran’s control over the strait gives it strong leverage. In response, the US has sent forces and started a blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Iran into accepting a ceasefire, reportedly mediated by Pakistan, to end weeks of conflict involving Israel, the US, and Iran.
Iran had earlier said the Strait of Hormuz was fully open for commercial ships after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. But after Trump repeated that the blockade would stay, Iran said this breaks the ceasefire agreement and warned that the strait may not stay open under these conditions.
- With inputs from agencies
