Tehran Tightens Control Over Strait of Hormuz Again

Iran announced that control of the Strait of Hormuz had "returned to its previous state" as a result of the ongoing dispute with the United States over the naval blockade of its ports.

In a statement published by Iranian media, the military's operations command described the US blockade as "piracy". "For this reason, control over the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its former state and this strategic corridor is under the strict management and control of the armed forces", the military said.

Tehran also warned that the situation would not change unless the United States restored full freedom of navigation for ships going to and from Iran. "Until the US restores full freedom of navigation, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain strictly controlled and in its original state", the command added.

The statements add to the confusion surrounding the status of the strategic waterway, through which about a fifth of the world's oil supplies passed before the conflict.

Both Iran and US President Donald Trump have announced that the strait is open to shipping again. But Trump also said the US blockade "will remain in full force" until Tehran reaches a deal with Washington, including on the nuclear issue.

(guardian, bak)