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Iran Tightens Control Over Strait of Hormuz, Citing US Blockade

Iran's Supreme National Security Council has declared it will exercise control over traffic in the Strait of Hormuz until a definitive end to the war and lasting regional peace. The council stated it will demand vessel information, issue passage permits, and charge fees for security services. This move follows an announcement by Iran's main military command resuming strict control, citing the continuation of a US naval blockade. The statement also mentions Iran is reviewing new US proposals delivered through Pakistan's Army Chief.

Key Points: Iran to Control Strait of Hormuz Traffic Until War Ends

  • Iran resumes strict Strait of Hormuz control
  • Will demand vessel info and charge fees
  • Cites continued US naval blockade
  • Action linked to ceasefire violations
2 min read

Iran says to control traffic through Hormuz until war definitively ended

Iran's security council announces strict control over the vital Strait of Hormuz, demanding vessel info and fees, until lasting peace is achieved.

"prevent the conditional and restricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz - Supreme National Security Council"

Tehran, April 19

Iran's Supreme National Security Council said that the country is determined to exercise control and supervision over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz until the war is definitively ended and a lasting peace is achieved in the region.

The statement, reported by Iranian media, came after Iran's main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, announced earlier on Saturday the resumption of strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, citing the continuation of US naval blockade against Iran.

The SNSC said it will control the strait by demanding vessel information, issuing passage permits, charging fees for security and environmental services, and directing traffic according to its regulations and wartime protocols, Xinhua news agency reported.

"By the time the enemy seeks to cause disruption to the vessels' transit through the strait and resort to methods such as imposing a naval blockade, which will be considered as violations of the (current two-week) ceasefire, the country will prevent the conditional and restricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz," it said.

The SNSC noted that a major part of the equipment for US bases in West Asia is supplied via the Strait of Hormuz, which it said poses a threat to Iranian and regional security.

It also said Iran has received new US proposals, delivered through Pakistan during a recent visit by its Army Chief Asim Munir, and is reviewing them.

Iran's negotiating delegation will not make any compromise and will defend the country's interests with full force, it added.

Iran tightened its grip on the strait beginning February 28, when Israel and the United States launched their joint strikes on Iranian territory. The United States recently imposed a blockade targeting ships going to and from Iran, after peace negotiations in Islamabad collapsed.

On Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz would be "completely open" to commercial shipping for the duration of the two-week truce between Iran and the United States, which took effect on April 8, in line with the announcement of the truce in Lebanon.

However, Iran's main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, announced on Saturday the resumption of strict control over the Strait of Hormuz due to the continued US naval blockade.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While Iran has a right to defend its interests, controlling an international waterway and charging fees sets a dangerous precedent. It feels like they are using their geographic position as a weapon. Hope diplomacy prevails soon.
A
Aman W
The mention of Pakistan delivering proposals is interesting. Our neighborhood is deeply connected to this conflict. India must walk a very careful line – maintaining relations with Iran for Chabahar port and also with the US. Tough balancing act.
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Sarah B
The back-and-forth is worrying. One day it's open for the truce, the next day control is resumed. This instability is bad for business and global trade. Ordinary people everywhere end up paying the price.
V
Vikram M
Honestly, the US blockade provoked this. You can't squeeze a nation and expect them not to respond. Iran is showing it won't be pushed around. But I just hope it doesn't escalate further. We've seen enough war.
K
Kavya N
The environmental service fee is a new one! Jokes aside, this is serious. Our imports and exports could face delays and higher costs. Time for our foreign policy experts to be at their best. 🙏

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