Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz again hours after opening, blames US for…
A day after announcing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s military command on Saturday said that the crucial waterway has been shut again, citing the ongoing US naval blockade around the country’s ports.
Iran had reopened the vital maritime chokepoint on Friday after a ceasefire agreement was reached in Lebanon. The Iranian government had announced that the strategic Strait of Hormuz is completely open to commercial shipping for the remaining duration of the truce. However, President Donald Trump declared that the United States Navy blockade will “remain in full force” until a long-term deal, especially on the nuclear program, is reached with Iran
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What did the IRGC say about the Strait of Hormuz closure?
In a statement broadcast on state television, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it would resume “strict management and control” of the Strait, accusing Washington of breaking a promise by continuing to enforce a naval blockade of vessels heading to and from the Iranian ports. The military command further blamed the United States for “continued acts of piracy and maritime theft under the guise of a so-called blockade.”
“For this reason, control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, and this strategic waterway is now under strict management and control by the armed forces. Until the United States restores full freedom of navigation for vessels traveling from Iran to their destinations and back, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain tightly controlled and in its previous condition,” it said.
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