TEHRAN — Iran reimposed strict control over the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, reversing a brief reopening of the waterway announced the previous day, Iranian military officials said.
Iran’s joint military command stated that control of the strait had returned to its previous state under strict management by the armed forces. The move followed the United States’ decision to maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports, despite Iran’s announcement on Friday that the strait was open to commercial vessels during a 10-day truce related to the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
The Revolutionary Guard navy said the strait would remain restricted until the U.S. lifted its blockade. It warned that no vessel should move from anchorage in the Persian Gulf or Sea of Oman, and that approaching the strait would be considered cooperation with the enemy and subject to targeting, according to reports from maritime security sources and Iranian state media.
British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker and that an unknown projectile struck a container vessel, damaging containers. Details of any casualties or the extent of damage remained unclear as of Sunday.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Shipping traffic had been largely restricted since late February amid broader regional tensions, including the U.S.-Iran conflict and related ceasefires. Iran briefly declared the strait “completely open” on Friday in line with the truce, but reversed course within 24 hours after U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, confirmed the blockade on Iran-linked shipping would continue.
Iranian officials described the U.S. action as a breach of trust and a violation of ceasefire understandings. A senior Iranian military statement said the country was determined to maintain oversight of traffic through the strait, including designated routes, fees and transit certificates, until the conflict fully ends.
The U.S. has not publicly detailed its response to Saturday’s developments. Trump previously indicated that the blockade would remain in full force and suggested talks with Iran could continue, but no immediate comment on the reimposed restrictions was available.
India summoned Iran’s ambassador over a reported shooting incident involving Indian-flagged ships in the strait, according to Indian officials. Other shipping companies reacted cautiously, with some vessels turning away from the area.
As of Sunday morning, traffic through the strait remained paralyzed, maritime tracking data showed. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, acting as a key decision-making body, reiterated that restrictions would persist as long as the U.S. blockade continued.
The latest developments come amid a fragile regional ceasefire framework and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Iran and other parties. No independent verification of all military claims was immediately available.
