Iran has reversed its earlier decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
Officials said the move followed the United States’ decision to maintain its blockade of Iranian ports, escalating tensions in the region.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command confirmed that the strait had been returned to its “previous status” and was now under strict control of the country’s armed forces.
The development comes amid reports of fresh incidents at sea.
A UK maritime agency said vessels linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had fired at a tanker attempting to transit the waterway.
Separately, Reuters reported that an Indian-flagged oil tanker was also attacked while navigating the strait.
Iranian authorities said the restrictions would remain in place unless Washington guarantees full freedom of navigation for vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor, handling a significant share of the world’s oil supply, and any disruption has immediate implications for global markets.
The latest escalation casts doubt on hopes of a sustained reopening of the route, with shipping companies expected to remain cautious amid ongoing security risks.
