Tehran said control of the strait had returned to its previous state amid the dispute with the United States over a naval blockade of Iranian ports, warning that transit would remain restricted unless freedom of navigation was restored.
Sailors had been told that passage would be possible through corridors deemed safe by Iran, but that guidance was withdrawn during the day.
Merchant vessels approaching the strait received radio messages from the Iranian navy stating that transit was no longer permitted.
“Attention all ships! In view of the failure of the US Government to fulfil its negotiating commitment, Iran is once again declaring the Strait of Hormuz completely closed. No vessel of any type or nationality is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz”, the broadcast said.
Gunfire Reported
At least two ships said they had come under fire from Iranian boats, according to Reuters, citing shipping and maritime security sources. The incidents occurred in waters between Keshm and Larak islands. Both vessels turned back.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received a report of an incident about 20 nautical miles north-east of Oman. The captain of one tanker reported that two boats operated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards approached and opened fire.
The crew escaped unharmed and the tanker remained safe. A maritime security source added that a container ship was also hit by gunfire.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Hundreds of vessels and about 20,000 sailors are waiting to pass through the Gulf. Roughly one fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows transit the corridor.
Negotiations With the US
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date had been set for the next round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington. He added that both sides must first agree on a “basic framework of understanding”, warning that another meeting could fail and increase tensions.
The latest high-level talks ended last weekend in Islamabad without agreement.
US President Donald Trump said further direct talks could take place as early as this weekend, although diplomats consider that unlikely for logistical reasons.
Tehran has said the talks have made some progress but remain stalled over US demands related to Iran’s nuclear program.
Separately, Iran has partially reopened its airspace to international overflights in the eastern part of the country, but aviation data suggests carriers are continuing to avoid the area.