TEHRAN/BEIRUT: Despite Tehran’s announcement that the crucial shipping route had reopened after days of disruption due to fighting in the region, Iran hinted that it would close the important Strait of Hormuz once more if a US naval blockade continues.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the parliament, stated on Saturday that further US restrictions on Iranian ports and ships would lead to retaliation. He commented on X, “The Strait of Hormuz will not remain open with the continuation of the blockade, and transit through the waterway may depend on Iranian authorization.”
His caution was issued one day after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the strait, which is used by about 25% of the world’s oil supplies, had been completely restored to commercial traffic. However, he made it clear that ships would travel via routes decided upon in consultation with Iranian authorities, implying that Tehran plans to maintain control over passage.
The reopening came after a 10-day ceasefire associated with a wider halt to hostilities between Israel, Iran, and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Maritime data showed that vessel movement remained restricted to channels requiring Iranian approval notwithstanding the declaration.
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