Why has Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again?
Tehran: The military standoff in the Persian Gulf escalated sharply on Saturday as Iran rescinded its brief reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with Revolutionary Guard forces opening fire on merchant vessels attempting to navigate the strategic waterway.
The reversal marks a significant setback for global energy security, as the strait serves as the primary conduit for approximately 20% of the world's oil supply. Iranian leadership stated the closure was a direct retaliatory measure against the United States, which has refused to dismantle its naval blockade of Iranian ports and shipping.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy issued a formal decree Saturday night, declaring the passage fully obstructed until the American blockade is terminated.
“The Strait of Hormuz is closed until the U.S. blockade is lifted," the IRGC stated, issuing a stern directive that "no vessel should make any movement from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman."
The military command further cautioned that any ship attempting to approach the strait would be viewed as engaging in "cooperation with the enemy" and would be designated as a legitimate target.
Escalating Conflict and Diplomatic Deadlock
The renewed hostilities come as the 2026 Iran War enters its eighth week. The conflict has already resulted in thousands of deaths and severe disruptions to international markets.
While the region experienced a momentary reprieve early Saturday—during which at least eight tankers reportedly transited the waterway—the window closed after President Donald Trump reiterated that the U.S. blockade would "remain in full force" until Tehran accepted a permanent peace settlement.
The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that IRGC gunboats fired upon a tanker on Saturday, while a separate container vessel sustained damage from an unidentified projectile. The incidents prompted the Indian government to summon the Iranian ambassador to express "deep concern" over attacks on India-flagged merchant ships.
The Role of Mediators
Despite the escalating violence, a fragile two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan remains technically in effect, though it is scheduled to expire this Wednesday.
The Iranian Supreme National Security Council confirmed Saturday that it is currently reviewing "new proposals" delivered by Pakistani intermediaries. Diplomats from Islamabad, along with representatives from Egypt and Turkey, are working urgently to organise a second round of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
However, the path to a resolution remains fraught. President Trump has warned that he may not extend the Wednesday ceasefire deadline, while Iranian officials have maintained they will make "no concessions" that undermine their national interests or maritime sovereignty.