Iran’s military has issued a strong statement announcing the reimposition of strict controls over the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of failing to honour its commitments. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the move comes amid escalating tensions following what it described as continued US naval restrictions and blockade-like measures on Iranian maritime activity.
The development follows remarks by US President Donald Trump, who stated that American naval forces would maintain restrictions until a comprehensive nuclear agreement is reached with Iran. While he acknowledged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after a brief closure, he clarified that curbs on Iranian vessels would remain in force. Iran, in response, condemned the US actions as “maritime piracy” and warned of firm countermeasures.
Iranian Parliamentary Committee Chairman Ebrahim Azizi announced that only commercial vessels authorised by Tehran would be permitted to pass through the strait, with mandatory toll payments imposed. Separately, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf cautioned that continued US restrictions could destabilise maritime traffic, adding that all movements in the waterway must comply with Iranian-defined routes and regulations.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply passes, had reportedly remained closed for 47 days following earlier US-Israel military actions and subsequent Iranian countermeasures. The closure had already triggered volatility in global oil markets, with prices witnessing a sharp surge during that period.
Experts have warned that renewed Iranian assertions over the waterway could once again heighten geopolitical tensions and disrupt international energy supply chains. The situation is being closely monitored, given its potential impact on global trade stability and oil market fluctuations.