On Saturday, Iran reinstated stringent oversight over the Strait of Hormuz, just a day after announcing its reopening. This move is in response to the ongoing U.S. naval blockade affecting Iranian ports and vessels, according to reports from EFE.
Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfagari, spokesperson for the Central Headquarters Khatam al-Anbiya, conveyed through the Tasnim news agency that the control over the Strait of Hormuz has been restored to its previous state. He emphasized that this critical maritime passage is now under the strict management of the Iranian Armed Forces.
Zolfagari clarified that Iran had initially allowed a "limited and managed" passage of certain oil and commercial ships as a "gesture of goodwill" within negotiation contexts. However, due to what he described as repeated breaches by Washington, Iran decided to retract this concession.
"The situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain under tight control until the U.S. restores full freedom of passage for vessels coming to and from Iran," the military spokesperson warned.
Heightened Tensions and Strategic Threats
This announcement comes seven weeks after the initial closure of the strait, through which about 20% of the world's oil is transported. The situation is marked by heightened tensions, including Iranian threats to mine the area.
The conflict originated from Operation Epic Fury, initiated on February 28, 2026, by the U.S. and Israel against Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. This operation also resulted in the elimination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 1.
In response, Iran closed the strait on March 4, causing the price of Brent crude to surge from $67 to over $126 per barrel.
Failed Negotiations and Escalating Measures
After a ceasefire declared by President Donald Trump on April 8, an initial round of negotiations in Islamabad concluded without agreement after 21 hours of talks.
On April 12, following diplomatic failures, Trump ordered a selective naval blockade against Iranian vessels. This blockade, enforced by U.S. Central Command, forced at least 19 merchant ships to return to Iranian ports.
Mohamad Baqer Qalibaf, the Iranian Parliament Speaker who led the Iranian delegation in Islamabad, warned via the social network X that the strait "will not stay open" if the blockade persists. He accused Trump of spreading "false claims" about the maritime passage and negotiations.
"These lies didn’t win the war, and they certainly won’t achieve anything in negotiations," Qalibaf asserted.
Divergent Demands and a Potential Stalemate
In a speech in Arizona, Trump claimed the strait was "completely open" for trade and proposed extracting Iranian enriched uranium with excavators—a suggestion that Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bagaei flatly rejected, stating on state television that "the uranium will not leave the country."
The current ceasefire expires on April 22, and Trump has warned that he will not extend it without an agreement. The two sides remain at odds: Washington demands the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and a twenty-year moratorium on uranium enrichment, while Tehran offers only five years and demands $270 billion in compensation.
Understanding the Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Why is the Strait of Hormuz significant?
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime passage through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply is transported, making it strategically significant for global energy security.
What triggered the current conflict in the Strait of Hormuz?
The conflict was triggered by the U.S. and Israel's Operation Epic Fury against Iranian nuclear facilities, which led to Iran closing the strait in retaliation, escalating tensions in the region.
What are the demands of the U.S. and Iran regarding the nuclear program?
The U.S. demands the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and a 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment, while Iran offers only a five-year pause and seeks $270 billion in compensation.