Iran Reimposes Hormuz Restrictions Hours After Reopening

Darwin, 18 April: Iran has reimposed restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz just hours after reopening it to foreign commercial vessels, according to an official statement released Saturday by the country’s joint military command.

In the statement issued around midday local time, Iranian authorities said control over the waterway had “returned to its previous status,” adding that full management and oversight would remain under military control, as before.

A day earlier, following a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, Iran had announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be fully open to international commercial shipping.

Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had stated on social media platform X that the passage would remain accessible during the ceasefire period. However, he emphasized that vessels must follow designated routes set by Iran’s maritime authorities for security reasons.

Shortly after Araghchi’s statement, U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that American sanctions on Iranian ports would remain in force until a comprehensive agreement is reached between the two countries.

“The Strait of Hormuz is now fully ready for business and shipping,” Trump wrote, adding, “but until all dealings with Iran are fully resolved, U.S. naval restrictions will remain in full effect.”

In response, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the strait would not remain open for long if U.S. sanctions continue. In a post on X, he stated that transit through the waterway would be conducted only along approved routes and with Iran’s authorization.

Within hours of his remarks, Iran’s defense forces moved to reinstate the restrictions, signaling renewed tensions over one of the world’s most critical energy shipping corridors.