Iran has reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing an ongoing US naval blockade.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has said Iran is ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on the US and Israel.
On the state TV on Saturday (April 18), a newsreader quoted a statement attributed to Khamenei saying, “The army stood against the sinister plans of the United States, the remnants of the Pahlavi regime, and separatists who wanted a dismembered Iran, and created epic achievements.”
At least two merchant vessels reported they were hit by gunfire as they attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, maritime security and shipping sources said, shortly after Iran said it was once again tightening control of the waterway.
A regional intelligence official has confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz is “under full IRGC control and effectively closed at this moment.” Multiple vessels have already been forced to turn around.
The reversal comes after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz open. At the same time, a 10-day ceasefire was announced between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon.
President Donald Trump had told reporters Friday that Iran agreed to all of his demands, including allowing the US to collect uranium from the country. However, Iran has denied such claims.
Trump said Friday that the US blockade on Iranian ports would remain in effect despite Iran announcing that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen. He has insisted Iran “cannot have nuclear weapons.”
Sources: Fox News and The Independent
The Strait of Hormuz is currently open to commercial shipping, but the US naval blockade on Iranian ports remains in effect.
