NewKerala.com

Iran Reimposes Strict Military Control Over Strait of Hormuz Amid US Blockade

Iran has declared the strategic Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its previous state of strict military control by its armed forces. The move comes after Tehran accused the United States of repeatedly breaching commitments and engaging in "piracy and banditry" under the guise of enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports. Former US President Donald Trump stated the American naval blockade will remain until a comprehensive deal with Iran is complete. In response, an Iranian parliamentary leader asserted that maritime movement through the strait will now be strictly controlled and allowed only on designated routes with Iranian approval.

Key Points: Iran Tightens Military Control Over Strait of Hormuz

  • Iran reimposes full military control
  • Accuses US of piracy and breaching deals
  • US blockade of Iranian ports continues
  • Passage now restricted to approved routes
3 min read

Iran says Strait of Hormuz returns to "previous state" of strict military control amid US blockade

Iran announces the Strait of Hormuz is back under strict military control, accusing the US of piracy and breaching agreements amid a continued naval blockade.

"control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, and this strategic strait is under the strict management and control of the armed forces - Iranian military spokesperson"

Tehran, April 18

Iran on Saturday announced that the strategic Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its "previous state" of strict military control, as it was before the ceasefire deal with Israel and Lebanon, citing violations by the United States under its continued blockade of Iranian ports, despite Tehran earlier announcing the reopening of the waterway.

According to the Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), citing the spokesperson for Iran's Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Tehran had earlier agreed, in good faith, to allow limited and managed passage of oil tankers and commercial vessels through the strategic strait following negotiations.

However, the spokesperson stated that the United States repeatedly breached commitments and engaged in "piracy and banditry" under the pretext of enforcing a blockade over the ports of the Islamic Republic.

"Following previous agreements in negotiations, the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed in good faith to allow a limited number of oil tankers and commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in a managed manner. Unfortunately, the Americans, with their repeated record of breach of promise, continue to engage in piracy and banditry under the guise of a so-called blockade," the statement read, as quoted by IRIB.

The spokesperson further declared that control over the Strait has now been tightened, with the waterway placed under the "strict management and control" of Iran's armed forces.

"For this reason, control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, and this strategic strait is under the strict management and control of the armed forces," the statement added.

The statement further stated that the current situation would persist unless Washington ensures what Iran described as "complete freedom of movement" for Iranian vessels.

This comes after Trump, in a post on Truth Social, declared that the American naval blockade of Iranian ports will persist until a comprehensive peace agreement is finalised with Tehran, despite Iran's move to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz.

"The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran only until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete." He further noted that "this process should go very quickly", the post read.

Following Trump's comment, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, slammed Trump on X.

In his post, Ghalibaf asserted that maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz will be strictly controlled by Tehran, stating that passage will be allowed only through designated routes and under Iranian approval.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The US blockade is pure hypocrisy. They talk about freedom of navigation in the South China Sea but do this? It just shows their rules only apply to others. Iran is right to protect its sovereignty, but I hope this doesn't lead to a shooting war. Our petrol prices are high enough already!
A
Aman W
With respect, both sides are playing with fire. Iran's "strict military control" and Trump's "100% complete" demand are recipes for a miscalculation. India has good relations with both. We should offer to mediate. A conflict there would be a disaster for the entire region, including us.
S
Sarah B
Living in Mumbai, I see tankers off the coast all the time. This directly impacts our economy. The government needs to fast-track alternative energy sources and diversify oil imports. We can't be so dependent on a chokepoint controlled by conflicting powers.
V
Vikram M
Typical American bullying. They impose illegal blockades and then cry when the other side reacts. Iran has every right to control its territorial waters. Hope our foreign policy stays independent and doesn't just follow Washington's lead on this one.
K
Karthik V
The language is worrying - "piracy and banditry". This isn't just posturing anymore. Our navy should be on high alert and maybe increase patrols near our western seaboard. We have vital interests at stake here, beyond just diplomacy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50