Iran has announced that it has once again closed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, less than 24 hours after declaring it open for maritime traffic.
Iranian military officials stated that the waterway will only be reopened after the blockade imposed by the United States is lifted. According to the officials, as long as the US restrictions remain in place, it will not be possible to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
Iran has also strongly objected to the US actions, calling them a violation of international law.
Just the previous evening, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain fully open for trade for the remainder of the ceasefire period. However, within 24 hours of that statement, the decision to close the route again was made.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, through which nearly 20 percent of global crude oil supply is transported. Rising tensions in the area have raised concerns about potential impacts on the international oil market and global maritime trade.
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