Iran has refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, keeping pressure on global energy markets despite a fragile ceasefire with the United States.
Tehran said Thursday the vital shipping lane will remain closed as long as Washington continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports—turning the truce into an economic standoff rather than a genuine de-escalation.
“A complete ceasefire has no meaning if it is violated through a naval blockade,” said parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. “Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not possible.”
The strait carries around one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Prices jumped 4% before easing, as markets reacted to the risk of prolonged disruption.
U.S. president Donald Trump extended the ceasefire at the last minute earlier this week to allow further talks, reportedly brokered by Pakistan. He said negotiations could resume within days, though Iran has not confirmed participation.
At sea, tensions are rising. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized two foreign-flagged vessels and fired on another container ship near Oman, damaging the bridge but causing no casualties. Maritime monitors report multiple incidents involving armed Iranian boats.
Washington says it has already turned back dozens of vessels under its blockade strategy, aimed at choking Iran’s economy.
Both sides accuse each other of breaching the ceasefire—highlighting how little trust exists, and how quickly the conflict could escalate again.
