Iran recloses Strait of Hormuz. Trump comments: We can't be blackmailed
Iran on Saturday reclosed the Strait of Hormuz and imposed severe restrictions on navigation in it, in a move that restored tensions to one of the world's most important sea lanes, after accusing the United States of violating understandings related to the freedom of passage of ships and the continuation of what Tehran described as a "naval blockade."
Official announcement of the re-closure and tightening of control
The Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters said that control of the strait had "returned to its previous state" and that the sea lane was currently under strict management and control by the Iranian armed forces. Under previous understandings, Tehran had allowed a limited number of oil tankers and commercial ships to pass "in good faith," the statement said, but the United States "continued to renegade on promises and practice piracy under the cover of blockade."
The restrictions will remain in place until Washington lifts what Tehran considers "complete restrictions" on the movement of ships to and from Iranian ports, the statement said.
Trump: We don't accept blackmail
Hours after Iran's announcement, US President Donald Trump issued a statement saying that "Iran cannot blackmail us", stressing that talks between the two sides are still ongoing despite the escalation.
Attacks on merchant ships
Coinciding with the Iranian announcement, Axios quoted a US defense official as saying that the IRGC had carried out at least three attacks on commercial ships since Saturday morning. Fox News also reported that the strait was now "under the full control" of the IRGC, and that a number of ships had been forced to retreat, while at least one vessel had been shot.
Tasnim reported that commercial ships were prevented from crossing except with permission from the Revolutionary Guards Navy, while the Associated Press reported that two Indian ships changed course after reports of gunfire from Iranian boats , while the British military announced that two Revolutionary Guard boats fired on a tanker in the strait, confirming that its crew was fine.
Reuters quoted shipping industry sources as saying that commercial ships received radio messages from the Iranian navy asking them not to cross, while two ships reported coming under fire between the islands of Qeshm and Lak, prompting them to retreat.
Previous Iranian warnings
Hours before the re-lockdown, Tehran had warned that it would take the step if US warships intercepted any ships coming from Iranian ports. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery through which about 20% of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas trade passes, making any disruption in it have a direct impact on global energy markets.
This naval escalation comes after Washington and Tehran announced a temporary truce on April 8 brokered by Pakistan, in preparation for negotiations aimed at ending the war that has been going on since last February 28, and the first round of talks in Islamabad ended last Sunday without reaching a final agreement, while it seemed that the latest developments could return the negotiations to zero.