Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz shortly after declaring the strategic waterway open, reversing its position amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.
The Iranian state broadcaster, IRIB, reported that the military issued a statement placing the Strait under tighter restrictions, saying passage through the key shipping route would now require Iran’s approval.
According to the statement, the waterway has “returned to its previous state” following what Tehran described as the United States’ refusal to lift its naval blockade on Iranian Gulf ports. An Iranian official was quoted as saying: “We warned you, and you ignored it. Now enjoy Hormuz returning to its previous state.”
The development comes just hours after Iran had announced the full reopening of the Strait, a decision that was previously welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The sudden reversal has renewed concerns over global energy supply routes and market stability, given the Strait’s critical role in international oil transportation. Following the earlier reopening announcement, crude oil prices had dropped by about 11 percent, with West Texas Intermediate and Brent trading between $83 and $90 per barrel.
