Iran Warns of Fresh Hormuz Closure Amid Ongoing US Naval Blockade

Iran has issued a fresh warning regarding the Strait of Hormuz, signalling that the vital shipping corridor could be shut again if the United States continues its naval blockade. The statement comes even as US President Donald Trump maintained that the blockade would remain in “full force.”

Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf sharply criticised Trump’s remarks, accusing him of making multiple false claims. In a post on X, Qalibaf said, “The President of the United States made seven claims in one hour, all seven of which were false,” adding that Washington’s approach would neither secure victory nor yield results in negotiations.

Reiterating Tehran’s position, Qalibaf warned that continued pressure from the United States could directly impact access to the strait. He stated that if the blockade persists, the waterway “will not remain open,” and emphasised that passage would be subject to “designated routes” and require “Iranian authorisation.”

The warning comes despite Iran’s recent decision to reopen the strait for commercial shipping following days of disruption linked to tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran-backed forces. However, officials have underscored that the reopening is conditional and dependent on developments on the ground.

Authorities have indicated that maritime traffic through the strait will continue to be closely monitored. Ships are expected to adhere strictly to regulated transit routes under Iranian oversight, reflecting heightened operational control over one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Responding to Trump’s earlier assertion that the route was “fully open,” Qalibaf stated that decisions regarding the strait’s status “shall be determined by the field, not by social networks,” underscoring the evolving and volatile nature of the situation.

The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly a fifth of global oil shipments, making it a crucial artery for international energy markets. Its recent disruption—lasting close to two months—has already impacted crude prices and strained global supply chains.

Although navigation has resumed, uncertainty persists over when shipping activity will fully stabilise. Reports indicate that several operators remain cautious, awaiting clearer security assurances before resuming normal operations. Experts have described the strait’s current status as “almost like a nuclear deterrent,” highlighting its growing strategic sensitivity amid escalating geopolitical tensions.