Tehran announces renewed closure
Iran has said it is bringing the Strait of Hormuz back under its control, alleging that the US Navy continues to blockade Iranian ports.
Background of the escalation
The report said the US and Israel began a war against Iran on February 28, after which Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on Israel and US military bases in West Asia. As the conflict intensified, Iran earlier shut the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude oil shipments, triggering higher oil prices and fuel shortages.
Ceasefire moves and failed talks
With fighting continuing for about 40 days, countries urged Washington and Tehran to halt the war. US President Donald Trump announced a two-week temporary ceasefire, followed by peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, which ran for 21 hours but ended without an agreement.
Brief reopening, then a new shutdown
After the US announced a 10-day temporary ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said commercial vessels would be allowed to pass through Hormuz, a move Trump welcomed. However, the US said its naval siege of Iranian ports would continue until an agreement was completed, and Iran has now shut the strait again, saying it will remain closed until the US ends its actions.
