Iran Declares Restoration of Control Over Strait of Hormuz Due to US Blockade

Iran has declared the restoration of control over the Strait of Hormuz in connection with the US refusal to lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf. This is reported by "European Pravda" with reference to The Guardian.

In an Iranian statement published by local media, the Khatam al-Anbiya operational command of the armed forces called the blockade of ports by the US "piracy". According to the report, control over the Strait of Hormuz has "returned to its previous state", and this strategic waterway is under strict management and control of the armed forces.

The Iranian military emphasized that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain under strict control until the US "restores full freedom of navigation for ships traveling from Iran to destinations and from destinations back to Iran". Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that, in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire in Lebanon, passage for all merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz is declared fully open for the duration of the ceasefire.

In response, US President Donald Trump stated that the blockade of Iranian ports "will remain in full force and effect" until the US-Iran agreement "is 100% fulfilled".