CAIRO — Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated on Saturday after Iranian forces fired on a passing tanker and reinstated strict controls over one of the world’s most critical oil routes, reversing an earlier move to reopen the waterway.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, two gunboats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a tanker transiting the strait. The vessel and its crew were reported safe, though several ships were forced to turn back, including an Indian-flagged supertanker, maritime tracking data showed.
Iran’s joint military command confirmed that control of the strait had “returned to its previous state” under armed forces supervision. Authorities warned that transit would remain restricted as long as the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports and shipping.
The renewed limitations follow Iran’s earlier announcement that it would reimpose passage requirements, including mandatory naval authorization and toll payments. Tehran had briefly declared the strait open a day earlier, coinciding with a 10-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Abbas Araghchi initially signaled the reopening, while Ebrahim Azizi later clarified that the waterway was reverting to tighter controls.
On the U.S. side, Donald Trump said the American blockade would remain in full force until a broader agreement is reached, including provisions related to Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. Central Command reported that 21 vessels had been turned back to Iran since the blockade began earlier this week.
The back-and-forth over the strait has heightened uncertainty in global energy markets. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes through the narrow channel, making any disruption a major concern for the global economy.
Despite the escalation, diplomatic efforts continue. Pakistan, which is mediating talks, said negotiations between Washington and Tehran are progressing ahead of a planned ceasefire deadline on April 22. Ishaq Dar described the recent ceasefire in Lebanon as a “positive sign” that could help unlock a broader agreement.
High-level diplomatic engagements are ongoing, including visits by Asim Munir to Tehran and meetings involving Shehbaz Sharif, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Antalya, Turkey. A second round of talks between Iran and the United States is expected early next week.
Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon remains fragile. Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel agreed to the ceasefire at the request of President Trump but emphasized that military operations against Hezbollah were not yet complete. The U.S. State Department clarified that restrictions on Israeli action apply only to offensive operations, not self-defense.
Reports from southern Lebanon indicated sporadic artillery fire hours after the ceasefire took effect, even as displaced families began returning to their homes despite official warnings.
The broader conflict, which began on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes, has resulted in significant casualties. At least 3,000 people have been killed in Iran, more than 2,290 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and over a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen U.S. service members have also been reported killed.
Analysts warn that continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz could further strain global oil supplies and complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the nearly seven-week conflict.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
