Iran Threatens to Close Strait of Hormuz Over US Naval Blockade

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran could shut the Strait of Hormuz if the US continues its naval blockade. He stated passage would only be allowed on a designated route with Iranian authorization, contradicting a prior announcement that the strait was open during a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump insisted the blockade would remain until a broader deal is finalized. The strait is a critical global oil chokepoint, handling nearly one-fifth of the world's supply.

Key Points: Iran Warns US: Could Close Strait of Hormuz

  • Iran threatens strategic waterway closure
  • US naval blockade remains in force
  • Passage would require Iranian authorization
  • Dispute arises amid ceasefire announcement
  • Strait handles 20% of global oil supply
2 min read

US President made 7 claims, all false: Iran warns of closing Hormuz amid naval blockade

Iran's Parliament Speaker warns the US that Tehran could shut the vital Strait of Hormuz if the naval blockade continues, escalating tensions.

"With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open. - Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf"

Tehran, April 18

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf has warned US President Donald Trump that Tehran could shut down the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues its naval blockade.

This came shortly after the US President indicated that the restrictions would remain in "full force".

In a post on X, Ghalibaf asserted that maritime movement through the strategic waterway would be regulated strictly by Iran.

"With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open," he said, adding that passage would be allowed only along a "designated route" and with "Iranian authorisation".

His remarks came just hours after Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz remained open to commercial shipping during the ongoing ceasefire.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, "In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran."

Responding to Tehran's position, Trump maintained that the naval blockade would continue until a broader "transaction" with Iran is finalised. He suggested that the process would conclude "very quickly," claiming that key sticking points had already been negotiated.

Rejecting the US position, Ghalibaf said, "They did not win the war with these lies, and they will certainly not get anywhere in negotiations either. Whether the Strait is open or closed and the regulations governing it will be determined by the field, not by social media."

The Iranian Parliament Speaker further alleged that Trump had made "seven claims in one hour," describing all of them as "false", though he did not specify the statements in question.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical energy corridors, handling nearly a fifth of global oil supply.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the US posture is concerning, Iran's threat to close a major international waterway is equally destabilizing. The world can't afford this volatility. Hope cooler heads prevail and dialogue continues.
P
Priyanka N
Honestly, both sides sound like they're just posturing for their domestic audiences. "Seven false claims in an hour" sounds dramatic, but without specifics, it's just rhetoric. The real issue is the impact on ordinary people and the global economy.
A
Aman W
From an Indian perspective, our energy security is paramount. We have good relations with both Iran and the US. We should use our diplomatic channels to de-escalate. A war in the Gulf would be a disaster for our economy. Jai Hind.
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Michael C
The article mentions a ceasefire in Lebanon? That seems like a crucial piece of context that's just dropped in. How is that conflict connected to the Strait? The reporting feels a bit fragmented.
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Kavya N
"Regulated by Iran" and "designated route" – this is about sovereignty and control. While the threat is serious, it's also a predictable response to a blockade. The US can't expect to strangle a nation's economy and not get a reaction. The whole situation is so tense. 😟

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