In response to US naval blockade, Iran says Hormuz stays ‘shut’

TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iran has again closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz in direct response to the United States maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports, intensifying a standoff widely seen as driven by Washington’s coercive tactics amid an already volatile regional conflict.

Iranian officials made clear that the vital waterway—through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas typically flows—would not remain open while US forces continue to restrict Iranian shipping.

The move came just hours after a brief reopening triggered market optimism, underscoring how quickly conditions shift under mounting pressure from US military policy.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said negotiations with Washington had seen limited movement but remained far from any final agreement.

He stressed that fundamental disagreements persist, particularly as the United States refuses to lift sanctions and its maritime blockade.

“If the blockade continues, traffic through the Strait will be restricted,” Ghalibaf said, framing the closure as a direct consequence of US actions rather than an isolated escalation by Tehran.

The renewed shutdown follows earlier remarks by US President Donald Trump, who insisted that the blockade would remain in place until a deal is finalized, effectively linking economic pressure to ongoing negotiations. Iran responded by reversing its earlier decision to allow free passage, highlighting the fragile and conditional nature of the situation.

Iran’s leadership has also adopted a more assertive tone, warning that any unauthorized transit through the Strait could be treated as hostile. The country’s naval forces signaled readiness to confront what they describe as violations, while reports emerged of heightened tensions involving commercial vessels navigating the narrow waterway.

Shipping activity has already been severely disrupted, with only a limited number of vessels attempting to pass during the short-lived reopening. Several ships reportedly altered course or withdrew entirely amid fears of confrontation, reflecting the growing risks tied to the US-imposed blockade and military presence in the region.

Diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan and Egypt attempting to mediate between the two sides after recent talks failed to produce a breakthrough. While some officials expressed cautious optimism, Iranian negotiators emphasized that key issues—particularly the country’s nuclear program and economic sovereignty—remain unresolved.

Washington has continued to push for sweeping concessions, including control over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. US officials have claimed progress on this front, but Tehran has firmly rejected any suggestion that it would hand over its nuclear material, describing such demands as unacceptable.

The broader conflict, triggered by US and Israeli military strikes on Iran earlier this year, has already destabilized the region, drawing in multiple actors and disrupting critical global supply routes. Iran’s latest move signals that it is prepared to leverage its geographic position in response to sustained economic and military pressure.

With a temporary ceasefire nearing expiration, the situation remains highly volatile. Iran’s decision to shut the Strait once again highlights the deep mistrust between the parties and raises serious doubts about the prospects for a near-term resolution, as US policies continue to drive escalation rather than de-escalation.