Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning mariners that the vital global energy route has effectively been closed again. The move comes amid heightened tensions with the United States, which Tehran accuses of continuing a blockade on its ports in violation of a ceasefire understanding.
Responding sharply, US President Donald Trump said Iran could not “blackmail” Washington by attempting to shut down the strategic passage, even as he described ongoing contacts with Tehran as “very good conversations.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, meanwhile, struck a defiant tone, declaring that the country’s navy was prepared to deliver “new bitter defeats” to its adversaries.
Shipping disruptions and rising security risks
The renewed restrictions have already had tangible consequences. Shipping sources reported that at least two vessels came under fire while attempting to transit the strait. In India, authorities summoned Iran’s ambassador after an Indian-flagged oil tanker was reportedly attacked.
The uncertainty has raised alarm across global energy markets, with fears that oil and gas flows through the strait could remain disrupted. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global energy supplies, and any prolonged disruption threatens to destabilise markets.
Brief reopening
Before the latest escalation, more than a dozen tankers had successfully passed through the strait following a 50-day blockade that was briefly lifted. However, Iran quickly reimposed restrictions, reportedly firing at some vessels and warning others to turn back.
Most ships that managed to transit were older, non-Western-owned vessels, including several under sanctions. Western shipping companies responded cautiously, noting that uncertainties—particularly regarding possible sea mines—remain a major deterrent.
The US military said 23 ships had complied with its directives to turn back towards Iranian waters since the blockade began.
Energy flows severely affected
The disruption has significantly affected global energy logistics. No liquefied natural gas shipments have passed through the strait since the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28.
Hundreds of vessels remain stranded in the Gulf, forcing major oil and gas producers in the region to cut output sharply. The International Energy Agency has described the situation as one of the worst supply disruptions in history.
Uncertain path for US-Iran negotiations
Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions remain fragile. Iran has confirmed that no date has been set for the next round of talks with the United States, emphasising that a framework agreement must first be reached.
The most recent high-level discussions—the first of their kind since the 1979 Islamic Revolution—ended without a breakthrough. While President Trump suggested more talks could take place soon, diplomats remain sceptical.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said progress had been made but accused the US of adopting a “maximalist approach,” particularly regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme. He stressed that Iran would not accept any arrangement that places it outside the bounds of international law.
Ceasefire disputes fuel renewed friction
Tehran insists its actions are tied to alleged US violations of ceasefire terms. Iranian officials argue that Washington undermined an earlier understanding by imposing selective restrictions, prompting Tehran to reassert control over the strait.
Iran has warned that continued violations would trigger further repercussions, signalling that tensions could escalate further if diplomatic progress stalls.
Israeli govt sees ceasefire as ‘slap in the face’
The ceasefire announced by Donald Trump was seen as a “slap in the face” for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition government, which had been discussing occupying Lebanese territory up to the Litani River.
The US president effectively told Israel that enough was enough with the air strikes. However, neither the US nor Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asked Israel to withdraw from the territory it already occupies. This remains the only room the current Israeli government has to justify to a public that is increasingly frustrated.
UK MPs urge sanctions on Israel
Seventy-five UK lawmakers have backed an urgent parliamentary motion calling for punitive action against Israel over moves to annex land in the occupied West Bank.
The motion, tabled by Richard Burgon, condemns Israel’s decision to formalise the appropriation of Palestinian land by registering it as “state land”, describing the step as illegal and aimed at expanding control over occupied territory.
The lawmakers pointed to the July 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which found Israel’s presence in Palestinian territory unlawful and called for it to end without delay.
The motion urges the UK government to align its policy with international law by halting any support that helps sustain the occupation. It also calls for restrictions on economic activity linked to settlements, arguing that trade and investment tied to them reinforce Israel’s control on the ground.
Lawmakers are pushing for a series of concrete measures, including a ban on goods and services produced in settlements built on occupied land, as well as targeted sanctions such as travel bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities accused of entrenching the occupation.
