Iran re-imposes restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian army’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command today announced that the Strait of Hormuz “returned to its previous state, under the strict management and control” of the country’s armed forces, reversing the decision to fully open to commercial ships made on April 17.

Iran’s military said Washington had broken its commitment by continuing to blockade ships to and from Iranian ports. They warned that Tehran would tighten shipping activities through the Strait of Hormuz until the US ended its blockade campaign.

“This situation will be maintained until the United States fully restores freedom of navigation for ships to and from Iran,” the statement said.

Before Iran made the new decision, MarineTraffic said 8 oil tankers had crossed the Strait of Hormuz today. This group includes a large crude oil tanker, several petroleum product and chemical tankers, and petrochemical gas (LPG) tankers.

Hundreds of ships have been stuck in the Gulf since Iran tightened control of the Strait of Hormuz in response to an attack campaign by the US and Israel since late February. Shipping activities through the strait stagnated, causing global energy prices to skyrocket.

On April 8, the United States and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire agreement, according to which both sides stopped attacks and Tehran allowed ships to pass through Hormuz. However, because Israel continued to attack the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, Iran then announced it would continue to restrict ships passing through Hormuz.

The US and Iranian delegations negotiated in Pakistan on April 11 but failed to reach an agreement. Mr. Trump ordered the US military to stop ships coming and going from Iranian ports.

Israel and Lebanon on April 17 accepted a 10-day ceasefire, leading to Iran’s Foreign Minister declaring on the same day “complete opening” of the Strait of Hormuz. The US President welcomed this move, but announced that the US blockade of Iranian ports “remains” until Tehran reaches an agreement to end the conflict with Washington.

The US and Iranian delegations are expected to arrive in Pakistan this weekend and hold negotiations on April 20.