Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, reversing an earlier announcement that the strategic waterway would remain open during the current ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The move, described by Tehran as a response to what it called US “piracy,” has sent oil prices climbing amid renewed concerns over regional stability.
Earlier this week, Iran had signalled that it would allow free passage through the strait for the duration of the truce, prompting a brief dip in global oil markets. However, that decision was short-lived. Iranian authorities cited ongoing US pressure and the continued blockade of Iranian ports as justification for the reversal.
US President Donald Trump has maintained that the naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place “in full force” until a peace deal is reached. The US has reportedly put forward several demands to Tehran, including the surrender of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. While Trump claimed Iran had “agreed to everything,” Iranian officials have firmly rejected the proposal, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stating that the country’s enriched uranium is “as sacred as Iranian soil.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints, through which roughly 20% of global petroleum passes. Any prolonged disruption has the potential to impact energy markets and global supply chains.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions remain stalled, with both sides holding firm on their positions. The situation continues to evolve, and further developments are expected in the coming days.
