The Strait of Hormuz slammed shut again within 24 hours of reopening, with Iran citing ongoing US naval blockade of its ports as the trigger amid ceasefire violations.
Rapid Reversal Timeline
Iran declared the strait “completely open” Friday for commercial traffic during the two-week truce, allowing ~12 tankers through. Saturday military statement reversed course: “strict control” restored—now IRGC approval mandatory—blaming Trump’s refusal to lift Gulf port blockade.
Tit-for-Tat Escalation
Tehran links reopening to US halting strikes and sanctions; Trump insists Hormuz flows while maintaining pressure for nuclear concessions. IRGC warns only “approved” vessels pass, stranding dozen mid-transit amid 20% global oil chokepoint crisis.
Global Ripple Effects
Oil prices volatile post-brief rally; India joins protests after tanker firings. Islamabad talks continue, but experts call truce “messier than ever” with April 21 deadline looming.
