Iran restored military control over the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, reversing a brief reopening and asserting control over the traffic as tensions resulting from the illegal US-Israeli aggression intensify.<\/p>\n
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Tehran announced the move hours after confirming limited passage for commercial vessels<\/a>, citing what it called continued US \u201cpiracy\u201d through a naval blockade of Iranian ports.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Shipping data and maritime agencies reported confusion across the waterway, with vessels turning back and others attempting passage under Iranian oversight.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said at least one tanker reported being fired upon by \u201ctwo gunboats linked\u201d to Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guard.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The incident took place about 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman, with the vessel and crew reported safe. Separate reports indicated a container ship sustained damage from a projectile in nearby waters, according to UKMTO.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s military command said the strait had \u201creturned to its previous state\u201d and would remain under strict control until the United States lifted its blockade. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that all transit now requires authorisation and adherence to designated routes.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The rollback was a direct result of President Donald Trump stating that the blockade would \u201cremain in full force\u201d until the \u201ctransaction\u201d with Tehran is complete. He also warned that military action could resume if talks fail.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused President Donald Trump of making \u201cseven claims in one hour,\u201d all of them false, in response to Trump\u2019s remarks about the Strait of Hormuz and alleged new agreements with Iran. Iranian officials and several international outlets reported that Ghalibaf dismissed Trump\u2019s narrative as misleading, arguing that the claims did not reflect the actual position or commitments of Tehran and using the \u201cseven lies in one hour\u201d framing to underscore what they described as a pattern of exaggeration and inaccuracy in Trump\u2019s statements on Iran and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The conflicting positions have left thousands of vessels stranded or rerouted. Marine tracking services showed ships reversing course, while only a small number continued through Iranian-controlled lanes.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The United States said its forces had turned back at least 23 vessels attempting to reach Iranian ports since the blockade began on April 13. Tehran argues the blockade violates ceasefire terms and defends its restrictions on the strait as a retaliatory measure to the US-Israeli aggression.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Market reactions shifted throughout the day. Oil prices had fallen earlier after Iran signalled the strait would reopen, dropping below $90 per barrel. Analysts warned that volatility will persist as long as access to the route remains uncertain.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The strait carries about one-fifth of global oil supply. Data from Kpler suggested the whole conflict has already removed up to 500 million barrels from the market.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Diplomatic efforts continue. Pakistan, Egypt, and other regional states are pushing for a settlement, with Islamabad expected to host further talks. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said negotiators were \u201cvery close\u201d to a deal, though Iranian officials denied progress on key issues, including nuclear material.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no new talks would take place without agreement on a framework. He rejected US claims that Tehran would transfer enriched uranium abroad.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n At the same time, Iran\u2019s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a statement praising the country\u2019s armed forces and warning that its navy stood ready to deliver \u201cnew defeats\u201d to its enemies.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Violence also continued in Lebanon despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that a French soldier serving with the United Nations peacekeeping mission was killed and three others wounded in an attack in southern Lebanon.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Israel said it carried out strikes in southern Lebanon after identifying fighters approaching its positions. The military referred to a \u201cyellow line\u201d separating its forces from areas held by Hezbollah.<\/p>\n
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