Rabat – Iran announced Saturday it has reinstated “strict control” over the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a brief reopening of the vital maritime corridor amid escalating tensions with the United States.
The decision comes in response to what Iranian authorities describe as the continued enforcement of a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, a measure Tehran says undermined a goodwill gesture made just a day earlier to allow limited commercial traffic through the strait.
According to a statement from the Iranian Armed Forces, Tehran had agreed “in good faith” to permit a restricted number of oil tankers and commercial vessels to transit the narrow passage. However, officials accused Washington of violating its commitments, alleging that U.S. forces have continued to intercept maritime activity under what they called the “pretext” of enforcing a blockade.
“As a result, the situation has returned to its previous state,” the statement said, confirming that the waterway is once again under tight Iranian control.
Fragile maritime traffic
Early indicators on Saturday suggested only a cautious resumption of shipping activity. Data from maritime tracking platforms showed just over a dozen vessels navigating the strait, including several oil tankers. At least two ships appeared to reverse course mid-transit, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding safe passage.
In a notable development, the cruise ship Celestyal Discovery crossed the strait without passengers, traveling from Dubai to Muscat—marking the first such journey since hostilities began in late February.
Before the outbreak of conflict, approximately 120 vessels transited the strait daily, according to industry estimates, highlighting the scale of disruption currently affecting one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Diplomatic efforts continue
The latest move comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain a broader conflict in the Middle East, following a two-week ceasefire that took effect on April 8 between Iran and the United States. Despite the truce, tensions remain high, particularly over maritime access and economic restrictions.
U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated Friday that the blockade on Iranian ports would remain “fully in force” until negotiations conclude, warning that restrictions could persist if no agreement is reached.
The United States Central Command reported that since the start of the blockade, 21 vessels have complied with directives to turn back toward Iranian waters.
Signs of partial normalization
In a parallel development, Iran announced a partial reopening of its airspace on Saturday, alongside the resumption of operations at several airports, including the two main hubs in Tehran. The closures had been in place since the escalation of military operations earlier this year.
While these measures suggest tentative steps toward normalization, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with global markets and regional actors closely monitoring any further shifts in control over the strategic passage.
