Iran Slams Shut Strait of Hormuz After Trump Vows Blockade

Iran's joint military command announced Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to 'strict management and control' by armed forces, hours after declaring it fully open to commercial vessels.[1][2] The reversal came after President Donald Trump stated Friday that the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports and vessels carrying contraband would remain 'in full force' until a comprehensive deal is reached, including on Iran's nuclear program.[1][4] Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the strait 'will not remain open' without the U.S. lifting its blockade, tying passage to Tehran's authorization.[4] The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, carries about 20% of global oil trade, making it a flashpoint in U.S.-Iran confrontations.[1] Iran had announced early Friday that the strait was 'completely open' during a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, following Trump's imposition of the blockade earlier in the week amid regional fighting.[4][5] Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed the openness for commercial ships, but Iranian officials now demand U.S. concessions, accusing Washington of violating a reopening agreement.[2][6] Trump, in a CBS News interview and Truth Social post, affirmed the strait is 'completely open and ready for business' but emphasized the blockade targets Iran specifically until negotiations conclude 'very quickly,' with most points already settled.[4] Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy enforces a 'new maritime order,' requiring vessels to follow Tehran-approved routes, obtain permissions, and pay tolls, while barring military ships and designating hazardous zones near Oman.[6] The standoff unfolds amid fragile ceasefires in Lebanon and ongoing nuclear talks. Polymarket bettors give 85% odds that Trump lifts the blockade by May 31.[3] Brigadier General Abbas Talinik of Iran's Defense Ministry stressed the strait operates under conditional ceasefire terms, with permissions revocable under pressure.[6]