Iran reimposes restrictions on Strait of Hormuz

Iran has reversed its brief decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reinstating restrictions on one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes and escalating tensions with the United States over maritime access and sanctions.

In a statement on April 18, Iran’s joint military command said control of the Strait of Hormuz had “returned to its previous state” under “strict management and control of the armed forces,” Caliber.Az reports via US media.

It added that transit through the waterway would remain restricted as long as what it described as a US blockade of Iranian ports continues.

The move followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said the American blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran agrees to a broader deal, including limits on its nuclear programme.

Trump also said there will be no tolls imposed on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing the idea after being asked by reporters aboard Air Force One.

“You can’t do the tolls,” he said, adding that “there are not going to be tolls” on transit through the strait.

By Aghakazim Guliyev