Iran Shuts Strait of Hormuz ‘Until Further Notice’ Following Ship Standoff

Iran Closes Key Strait of Hormuz After Vessel Incident as Tensions Grow

The IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday “until further notice” after its forces fired warning shots at a ship claimed was sailing through an unauthorized route.

The latest action is expected to add another obstacle to resume US-Iran negotiations, as both sides have exchanged military attacks and threats in recent days.

Reports from Axios and Politico, a deadline on Saturday sets by the United States for Iran to cease targeting commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and officially reopen the strategic waterway to international maritime traffic.

The clash above the future of the Strait of Hormuz still a critical issue and one of the major fences to grasp a final agreement amid the two countries. Although Iran statements the right to direct shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while Washington disputes that the waterway should remain open to all ships.

The IRGC said the vessel ignored repeated instructions to use an approved shipping route and was stopped after Iranian forces fired what they described as warning shots.

Following the incident, the Revolutionary Guards announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until further notice and until what they called “the end of American interventions in the region.” They also said no ships would be allowed to pass through the waterway.

The IRGC also cautioned that it would mark additional enemy military bases in the region if further military action was taken against Iran.

A key global shipping route

As one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, the Strait of Hormuz carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies are transported, and any disruption a key risk for global energy markets.

As per Iran already closed the global shipping route through its battle with the United States and Israel, affecting oil prices to rise harshly and disturbing maritime trade across the region.

Tehran says it has the right to regulate shipping through the strait and has announced plans to charge transit fees for vessels using the route. Iranian officials have also said there will be no return to the pre-war system of unrestricted navigation.

The United States has rejected Iran’s position and insists that commercial ships must be allowed to travel freely through the Strait of Hormuz.

Under international law, countries are generally not allowed to charge tolls for ships passing through major international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.