Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz until the U.S. blockade is completely lifted

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it would block the Strait of Hormuz and designate any vessels violating the blockade as military targets. Tehran attributes this decision to the United States’ failure to comply with the terms of the ceasefire and its continued naval blockade of Iranian ports. 

CNN reports this.

Iran’s military command has ordered ships to remain anchored in the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf until demands to lift restrictions are met. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called Washington’s actions reckless and stated that the free use of the strait by other countries is unacceptable. Any approach to the waterway starting Saturday evening will be regarded as aiding the enemy.

At the same time, Iran is implementing a new traffic management system that requires the payment of security fees for unimpeded passage. Ships that refuse to comply with the new protocols will face delays as the “new order” of control over the strait is established. Such selectivity on the part of the Iranian authorities is heightening tensions in the region, where the interests of major players, including Russia, also intersect.

Currently, Tehran views the blockade as a tit-for-tat response to U.S. actions restricting the Iranian navy’s activities. The situation surrounding the strategic waterway remains critical due to direct threats by the IRGC to attack civilian and military vessels. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis continue amid new demands from the Iranian side regarding transit fees.

Iran has again restricted ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict with the U.S. Tehran claims this is a response to Washington’s actions.

Trump stated that the U.S. wants to obtain Iranian uranium by any means necessary.