Iran has warned it could shut the Strait of Hormuz again if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports, escalating tensions despite recent signs of de-escalation in the region.
The warning came just hours after Tehran announced the reopening of the crucial shipping route following a ceasefire in Lebanon, a move that had briefly lifted global market confidence and eased concerns over energy supplies.
Iranian parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the waterway would not remain open if the blockade persists, stressing that vessels passing through the strait may require authorisation from Iranian authorities. The country’s foreign ministry also described the US naval action as a violation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, handling roughly a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any disruption to its operations has immediate implications for global energy markets.
On the US side, President Donald Trump maintained that the blockade would remain in place until a broader agreement is reached with Tehran. He expressed optimism that negotiations were nearing completion, describing a potential deal as “very close.”
However, Iran rejected claims that it had agreed to hand over its enriched uranium stockpile, insisting that such materials would not be transferred under current conditions.
The situation underscores the fragile nature of recent diplomatic gains, including the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which had been seen as a step toward a wider regional agreement involving Iran.
Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, both sides have continued to issue firm positions, raising concerns that any breakdown in talks could trigger further instability in the Gulf and disrupt global oil supplies once again.
