Iran Reimposes Strict Control Over Strait of Hormuz, Demands US Lift Port Blockade

Iran's armed forces have announced the reimposition of "strict control" over the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a decision made just one day earlier to open the vital waterway to shipping. The move comes with a direct demand for the United States to lift its blockade of Iranian ports.

In a statement broadcast on state television on Saturday, April 18, the country's joint military command warned it would prevent vessels from passing through the strait until the US blockade is removed. "The situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain under strict control until the United States restores freedom of movement for all ships entering Iran," the statement declared.

The Iranian authorities framed their initial decision to allow some ships through as an act of "goodwill." However, they accused American military forces of continuing "piracy and maritime robbery." The brief opening was announced on April 17 by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated on social media that passage for all commercial vessels would be "fully open for the remaining period of the ceasefire" linked to a truce between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

US President Donald Trump welcomed that announcement at the time, posting on Truth Social: "Iran just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for full ship passage. Thank you!" Despite this, Washington officials insisted that the American blockade of Iranian ports in the strait would continue pending an agreement between the two nations.

Early on April 18, reports based on ship-tracking data indicated a convoy of tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas, oil products, and chemicals had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz during its brief period of openness.