Iran reasserts control of Hormuz Strait as Trump warns against ‘blackmail’
Al Jazeera • • nation
Key Points:
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, threatening to target any ship attempting to pass, reversing a decision to reopen the critical shipping lane less than 24 hours earlier.
- The IRGC demands the United States lift its naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports, labeling the blockade a violation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in the US-Israel conflict involving Iran.
- Iranian gunboats reportedly fired on two commercial ships, including Indian-flagged vessels, and merchant ships received warnings from the IRGC Navy to avoid the strait.
- US President Donald Trump stated Tehran cannot blackmail Washington by closing the waterway and warned the ceasefire would end if a deal is not reached by Wednesday, maintaining the naval blockade.
- Analysts note the situation has reverted to a standoff with "two competing blockades," with Iran using control of the strait as leverage amid uncertain negotiations with the US.
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