Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz Indefinitely Over US Naval Blockade

Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz Indefinitely Over US Naval Blockade

Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed, escalating tensions with the United States despite an extended ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Tehran on Thursday declared that the strategic waterway—through which nearly a fifth of global oil supply passes—will remain shut as long as a US naval blockade continues, describing Washington’s actions as a direct violation of the truce.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said a ceasefire “has no meaning” if it is undermined by military pressure at sea, insisting that reopening the Strait of Hormuz under such conditions is “impossible.”

The development comes as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the seizure of two commercial vessels attempting to transit the narrow الخليج passage without authorization. The ships—Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Liberia-flagged Epaminondas—were intercepted and forced toward Iranian waters.

Authorities in Panama condemned the action as a serious threat to maritime security, while international shipping monitors reported additional confrontations involving Iranian gunboats in the region. One vessel reportedly sustained minor damage after being fired upon near Omani waters.

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On the other side, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had turned back at least 31 vessels as part of its enforcement of a growing US naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked trade routes.

The blockade, ordered by Donald Trump, is aimed at tightening economic pressure on Iran without triggering full-scale war. However, both nations continue to accuse each other of violating ceasefire terms.

The standoff has already rattled global energy markets. Oil prices surged sharply following the escalation, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rising above $96 per barrel and Brent crude climbing past $105 before easing slightly. Analysts warn that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger sustained increases in global fuel costs.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan are struggling to gain traction. While Washington has signaled willingness to extend the truce to allow talks in Islamabad, Iran has yet to confirm its participation.

President Trump said discussions could begin within days, describing the pause as an opportunity for Iran’s leadership to reach a resolution. Tehran, however, has remained cautious and largely non-committal.

Amid the crisis, internal developments in Washington have added another layer of uncertainty. The Pentagon confirmed the sudden resignation of Navy Secretary John Phelan, though no reason was provided. The move follows a series of leadership changes under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

As tensions persist, Iran has imposed strict new rules requiring all vessels to seek permission before entering or leaving the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, reversing earlier commitments to allow free passage during the ceasefire.

With both sides entrenched, the situation remains highly volatile. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz not only raises the risk of military escalation but also threatens global economic stability, particularly in energy-dependent regions.

Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz Indefinitely Over US Naval Blockade