Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz escalated sharply on Saturday after Iran reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and warned vessels against approaching the area.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the strait would remain shut until the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports. "Therefore, from this evening, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until this blockade is lifted," the IRGC said in a statement.
"We warn that no vessel should move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the violating vessel will be targeted," it added.
The IRGC also urged ships to rely only on official communication channels, stating that "the statements of the terrorist US president in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf have no credibility."
Ships targeted, fees imposed
The escalation came amid reports of attacks on vessels. British military authorities said IRGC gunboats opened fire on a tanker, while a container ship was hit by a projectile, damaging cargo.
Earlier, Iran also signaled tighter control over maritime traffic, saying vessels that comply with new protocols — including paying security and safety fees would be given priority passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
"Given the limitation on the number of vessels that will be allowed to pass, Iran has decided to give priority to those vessels that respond more quickly to the new Strait of Hormuz protocols and pay the costs of security and safety services," a senior official said, CNN reported.
"Vessels that do not pay the fees will have their passage postponed," the official added. The move comes as a fragile ceasefire due to expire Wednesday, faces mounting strain. Iran accused the US of violating terms by continuing its blockade despite earlier understandings.
"Due to the violation of the ceasefire conditions, the American enemy did not lift the naval blockade of Iranian vessels and ports," the IRGC said.
Earlier, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also described a tense standoff during recent talks in Islamabad, including a confrontation over a US minesweeper.
"In Islamabad, I told the American delegation that if their minesweeper moves even a little further from its position, we will definitely shoot it," he said. "They asked for 15 minutes to give the order to turn back, and they did," he added.
Trump warns Iran against ‘blackmail’
US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s actions, warning Tehran it could not use the strait as leverage.
"They (Iran) have no navy, no air force. They have no leaders; they have nothing... They can't blackmail us," Trump said. He has maintained that the US blockade will remain "in full force" until a deal is reached.
The latest escalation comes just a day after Iran had briefly reopened the strait following a Lebanon ceasefire announcement, a move that had eased oil prices.
Handling nearly 20% of global oil and gas flows, the Strait of Hormuz remains central to the conflict. Its renewed closure threatens global energy supplies and raises the risk of a broader confrontation as the war enters its eighth week.
