Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again as US keeps blockade on its ports

Iran has said it is reimposing restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz because the United States has refused to lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf.

Source: European Pravda, citing The Guardian

Details: Iran said control over the Strait of Hormuz has "reverted to its previous state" amid the dispute with the US over the naval blockade of Iranian ports.

A statement carried by Iranian media outlets quotes Khatam Al-Anbiya, the Iranian military's operational command, as describing the US blockade of the ports as "piracy".

Quote: "For this reason, control of the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its previous state, and this strategic waterway is under the strict management and control of the armed forces."

More details: The Iranian military added that until the US "restores the complete freedom of navigation for vessels from an Iranian origin to a destination, and from a destination back to Iran, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain strictly controlled and in its previous state".

Background:

• On 17 April, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that under the terms of the ceasefire in Lebanon, passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz has been declared fully open for the duration of the truce.
• However, US President Donald Trump said in response to that announcement that the blockade of Iranian ports "will remain in full force" until the US-Iran agreement "IS 100% COMPLETE".

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!