Iran Threatens to Close Strait of Hormuz Anew amid US Blockade Dispute

Tehran on Saturday issued a stern warning that it would once again shut the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports, a threat that comes only hours after the vital waterway was reopened following a ceasefire deal in Lebanon. 

While the resumption of transit on Friday had sparked stock market rallies and prompted US President Donald Trump to tell AFP that a peace deal was "very close," the situation remains volatile as both sides trade conflicting claims over nuclear material and maritime control.

President Trump, addressing a Turning Point USA gathering in Phoenix, Arizona, claimed that Iran had agreed to hand over its enriched uranium, stating, "We're going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators." 

However, Iran immediately rejected this assertion, maintaining that its stockpile is not going anywhere and warning that the Strait of Hormuz—a global artery for a fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas—would be closed if US warships interdict Iranian vessels.

Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X, "With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open," adding that passage would now require authorization from Iran. 

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei reinforced this stance, stating, "The opening and closing of the Strait of Hormuz does not take place on internet, it is determined in the field, and our armed forces certainly know how to behave in response to any action by the other side." 

Baqaei further characterized the US actions as a violation of the ceasefire, noting, "What they call a naval blockade will definitely be met with an appropriate response from Iran. A naval blockade is a violation of the ceasefire and Iran will definitely take the necessary measures."

Despite these tensions, Trump remained publicly optimistic, labeling the progress "GREAT AND BRILLIANT" in social media posts where he praised mediator Pakistan and Gulf allies while telling NATO to "STAY AWAY" from securing the strait. 

In his interview with AFP, Trump insisted there were "no sticking points at all" left with Tehran, adding, "Looks like it's going to be very good for everybody." 

The optimism has already impacted global markets, with oil prices falling as the US issued a waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil already at sea to increase supply.

The ceasefire in Lebanon, which began on March 2 following Hezbollah rocket fire in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, has allowed displaced families to return to south Beirut and the war-ravaged south. 

"Our feelings are indescribable, pride and victory," said 37-year-old Amani Atrash, expressing hope for an extended truce. Trump noted that Israel had been "prohibited" by Washington from carrying out further strikes, declaring, "Enough is enough!" and stating the US would "deal with the Hezbollah situation in an appropriate manner."

However, the truce remains under immense strain. While the Israeli military has lifted some wartime restrictions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned, "We have not yet finished the job," emphasizing that the "dismantling of Hezbollah" remains a key objective. 

Israel has threatened to resume military action if Hezbollah fighters are not cleared from the area between the security zone and the Litani River. 

Conversely, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun insisted Lebanon would no longer be an arena for outside conflicts, while Hezbollah warned it stands ready to respond to any Israeli violations.

Source: AFP