Iran announced on Saturday that it would be imposing stricter controls over the vital energy route of the Strait of Hormuz, indicating its closure once again. However, President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran's attempt to use the closure as leverage against the United States, stating that it cannot be blackmailed by such actions.
The decision to tighten control over the strait was in response to what Iran perceived as a continued blockade of its ports by the US, which Tehran deemed a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei asserted that Iran's navy was prepared to deliver "new bitter defeats" to its adversaries.
President Trump held a meeting in the White House Situation Room to discuss the escalating crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing negotiations with Iran, according to two US officials.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, acting as an intermediary between the two countries, presented new US proposals to Iran, which are currently under review by Iranian authorities. Iran's Press TV disclosed that the country had not yet provided a response to the proposals.
In a statement purportedly from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's navy was declared ready to confront and defeat its enemies. The message commended Iran's armed forces for their defense of the nation's territory and waters.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a warning stating that any vessel approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be considered as cooperating with the enemy and would be targeted. Following the reopening of the waterway on Friday, Iran reinstated restrictions on ship passage on Saturday due to what it described as repeated breaches of trust by the US.
Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticized the US blockade of the strait as an ill-considered decision, emphasizing that Iran would not allow others to pass through the waterway while it remained restricted.
President Trump mentioned ongoing positive discussions with Iran, noting that the US was engaging with them in tough negotiations. He expressed confidence in reaching an agreement while maintaining a firm stance. Despite the escalating tensions, Trump did not provide further details on the situation or the ongoing talks.
The renewed tensions surrounding the Iran conflict have increased uncertainty, potentially disrupting oil and gas shipments through the strait. Reports from maritime security sources indicated that some merchant vessels received messages from Iran's navy prohibiting passage through the waterway, reversing the signs of potential traffic resumption seen on Friday.
The conflict with Iran, which started with a US-Israeli attack on February 28, has resulted in significant casualties and economic ramifications. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate delicate negotiations amid escalating tensions in the region.
