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Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Days After Reopening Deal
Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, reversing a recent memorandum of understanding with the U.S. to keep the waterway open. Officials cited continued attacks on Lebanon and alleged non-compliance with prior commitments. Shipping traffic had begun to increase before the new restrictions.
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Iran’s military command announced on Saturday that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing continued attacks on Lebanon and what it described as bad faith by the other party to a recent agreement. The command warned that further steps are planned if the situation continues.
A newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority stated that vessels must follow a route along the Iranian coast and that alternative routes are prohibited.
The authority said insurance coverage is currently provided free of charge by Iran but reserved the right to introduce fees later. The memorandum of understanding had included a 60-day ban on tolls.
Navigation and Traffic U.S.
Central Command reported that 55 merchant ships carrying 17 million barrels of oil transited the strait on Saturday. It stated that a southern route along Oman’s coast remains available and that U.S. forces continue to operate in the area. The Joint Maritime Information Center issued an advisory on Thursday confirming the safety of the alternate route.
Shipping companies have expressed uncertainty about conditions, with one executive telling the New York Times that risks remain too high to depart the Persian Gulf. German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd said its vessels are prepared to move but have received no indication of when departure might occur.
Underwater mines and navigational hazards continue to be cited as concerns by industry participants.
