Iran reasserts control over Strait of Hormuz amid US blockade
via Le Matin3 min read
Iran has reinstated strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of violating an agreement to allow limited passage of tankers and commercial vessels. Tehran stated it had "accepted in good faith to allow the passage of a limited number of oil tankers and commercial ships" but claims the US engaged in "piracy under the guise of the so-called blockade." Consequently, the strategic passage is now under Iran's strict control. This announcement comes amidst diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East, following a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States that began on April 8. Earlier on Saturday, MarineTraffic showed a slight resumption of commercial traffic in the strait, with over a dozen vessels, including several tankers, though at least two appeared to turn back around 09:00 GMT. A cruise ship, the Celestyal Discovery, also transited the waterway without passengers from Dubai to Muscat, marking a first since hostilities began on February 28. Before the conflict, approximately 120 vessels transited the strait daily. Following Tehran's announcement of the strait's reopening on Friday, Donald Trump affirmed that the US blockade of Iranian ports would remain "fully in effect" until negotiations concluded, and would "continue" if no agreement was reached. The US Central Command stated on X that "since the beginning of the blockade, 21 ships have complied with US forces' directives to turn back and return to Iran." In Iran, the co
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