Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again, Accuses US of Violations

Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Saturday as Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of violating prior agreements amid a continuing naval blockade.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said control of the waterway had “returned to its previous state,” citing U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports as justification.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and any disruption immediately impacts global energy markets.

U.S. President Donald Trump responded that Washington would not back down, insisting the blockade “will remain in full force until our transaction with Iran is 100% complete,” though he did not clarify what the transaction entailed.

Confusion deepened after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier claimed the strait was “completely open” to commercial vessels under the ceasefire framework.

The conflicting statements left shipping companies and global observers scrambling to assess risks, with fears that missteps could trigger a wider regional confrontation.

Meanwhile, Trump disclosed that Israel had been prohibited from launching further strikes on Lebanon, as a fragile 10-day ceasefire entered its first full day, allowing displaced civilians to begin returning home.

Observers warn the situation remains fluid, with the coming hours critical in determining whether diplomacy can ease tensions or whether the Gulf standoff will intensify further.