Iran has warned it could shut the Strait of Hormuz again if the United States maintains its naval blockade of Iranian ports, hours after reopening the critical waterway.
Tehran issued the warning on Saturday, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security in one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes.
The renewed threat comes amid cautious optimism following a ceasefire in Lebanon and signs of progress in US-Iran negotiations.
US President Donald Trump had earlier said a broader peace deal with Iran was “very close,” adding that Tehran had agreed to hand over its enriched uranium.
“We’re going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators,” President Trump said at an event in Arizona.
However, Iranian officials swiftly rejected the claim, insisting their enriched uranium stockpile would not be surrendered.
Hormuz warning
Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that continued US naval actions could trigger another closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open,” Mr Ghalibaf said, adding that passage could require Iranian authorisation.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei also criticised the blockade.
“What they call a naval blockade will definitely be met with an appropriate response from Iran,” he said, describing it as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
US response
The US military has already begun enforcing the blockade, with United States Central Command confirming that 21 vessels had been turned back since operations began earlier in the week.
Mr Trump reiterated that the blockade would remain in place if no peace deal is reached, though he signalled openness to extending the current ceasefire.
“Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to remain,” he said aboard Air Force One.
Fragile diplomacy
Despite rising tensions, diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan playing a key mediating role in talks between Washington and Tehran.
Mr Trump expressed optimism about a potential agreement, saying there were “no sticking points at all” and hinting he could travel to Islamabad to finalise a deal.
The recent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon were seen as positive steps towards de-escalation.
Regional context
The conflict escalated after fighting began on March 2 between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
While displaced civilians have started returning to southern Lebanon, tensions remain high, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that operations against Hezbollah are not yet complete.
“We have not yet finished the job,” Mr Netanyahu said, stressing the goal of dismantling the group.
Hezbollah has also warned it remains ready to respond to any violations.
Market impact
Global markets reacted positively to the ceasefire and reopening of the strait, with oil prices falling and stocks rising on expectations of reduced supply disruptions.
A US waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil already at sea further boosted supply outlooks, easing pressure on energy markets.
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