Iran Announces It Will Close the Strait of Hormuz Again Unless U.S. Lifts Blockade of Iranian Ports

BREAKING: Iran Announces It Will Close the Strait of Hormuz Again Unless U.S. Lifts BlockadeIran has issued a strong warning that it will once again close the Strait of Hormuz unless the United States immediately ends its naval blockade of Iranian ports.The announcement comes just days after Iran claimed to have reopened the vital waterway to commercial traffic during a fragile ceasefire period. However, Iranian officials now say the strait will not remain open while the U.S. blockade continues.Iran’s PositionIran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated clearly: “With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open.”Iranian military and government sources emphasized that passage through the strait will only be allowed along routes designated by Tehran and with Iranian authorization. They demanded the full lifting of the U.S. Navy’s blockade on Iranian ports and vessels before normal operations can resume.BackgroundThe Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, through which roughly 20% of global oil supply normally passes. Iran had largely restricted traffic in recent weeks amid escalating conflict with the U.S. and Israel.Although Iran briefly declared the strait “fully open” earlier this week, the U.S. maintained its targeted blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports. President Trump has repeatedly stated that the blockade will remain in force until a broader deal — including limits on Iran’s nuclear program — is reached.Potential ImpactEnergy Markets: A renewed closure could trigger another sharp spike in global oil prices and disrupt supplies to Europe, Asia, and beyond. Shipping: International shipping companies are already hesitant, with many tankers rerouting or waiting for clarity. Escalation Risk: The tit-for-tat moves increase the danger of direct confrontation between U.S. and Iranian forces in the narrow waterway. The situation remains highly volatile. Both sides continue to issue strong statements, and further developments are expected in the coming hours.This latest threat underscores how fragile the current ceasefire is and how central control of the Strait of Hormuz has become in the ongoing U.S.-Iran standoff.