Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again on Saturday. The reversal came less than 24 hours after Tehran announced the waterway was open. Washington had refused to lift its maritime blockade of Iranian ports.
What Happened
Tasnim news agency reported the strait was returned to the “strict control” of Iran’s armed forces. The Supreme National Security Council said Hormuz would remain under full surveillance “until the war is definitively over” and a lasting peace is achieved in the region.
Friday’s market optimism evaporated. Oil prices had dropped 10 percent on the initial reopening. They now face renewed pressure.
Ships Under Attack
Two Indian-flagged crude oil tankers were attacked while transiting the strait, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. New Delhi summoned Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali. Foreign minister Vikram Misri expressed deep concern and demanded safe passage for India-bound vessels.
A cargo ship was hit by a missile 25 nautical miles northeast of Oman, the UK Maritime Trade Operations center said. One tanker captain reported two IRGC gunboats opened fire without radio warning. Containers on the cargo ship were damaged. The crew was safe.
Trump Responds
President Trump held an emergency meeting with his top advisors about the reclosure, Israeli Channel 12 reported. At the White House hours later, Trump said Iran “got a little too clever, like they’ve been doing for 47 years.”
“We’re having very good talks,” Trump said. “They wanted to close the strait again like they did for years. They can’t blackmail us.”
Trump repeated his claim that Iran had agreed to transfer enriched uranium to the United States. Iran denied it firmly.
Iran Rejects Uranium Transfer
No enriched uranium would be delivered to the US, deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters, according to AP. “That is not possible,” he said. Iran was not ready for face-to-face talks with American officials because Washington had not abandoned its “maximalist stance,” he added.
Khatibzadeh said messages had been exchanged but no real meeting held. Tehran wants a framework agreement finalized before sitting down directly with US negotiators.
Transit Tolls
Iran announced it will charge ships for passage through Hormuz. Vessels paying transit fees will get priority, an unnamed senior Iranian official told CNN. Non-paying ships will be “delayed.” The Supreme National Security Council said it would collect full vessel data, issue transit permits and charge security and environmental fees.
US Prepares Boarding Operations
US forces are preparing to board Iran-linked vessels in the coming days, the Wall Street Journal reported. Over 10,000 American sailors, marines and aviators are in the region. The plan includes boarding oil tankers and seizing commercial ships in international waters. Any vessel that violates the blockade will be boarded and seized, the US warned.
Pakistan Mediation
Pakistan army chief Asim Munir completed a three-day visit to Iran. He conveyed new US peace proposals to Tehran, according to The Guardian. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said it was reviewing the proposals but had not yet responded.
The US-Iran ceasefire expires April 22. Four days remain.