Iran’s word lasted less than 24 hours.
On Thursday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on social media that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open” to commercial shipping. The statement, intended as a goodwill gesture related to the Lebanon ceasefire, briefly eased market concerns.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats opened fire on commercial tankers attempting to transit the Strait. Multiple vessels, including an Indian-flagged super tanker, were forced to turn around after taking fire. Authorities confirmed the incident, stating that the tanker and crew were safe but noting that IRGC boats provided no warning before firing.
In a social media post made just one day earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated: “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.”
Iran’s military command then issued a statement confirming the reversal, declaring that control of the Strait had “returned to its previous state” under “strict management and control of the armed forces.” The statement accused the United States of “piracy” for maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The U.S. Navy has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, with guided-missile destroyers directing merchant vessels to return to Iranian ports as it enforces the blockade. Since the blockade began last Monday, 23 ships have complied with U.S. instructions to turn around and return to Iran.
Iranian officials have demanded “toll payments” from commercial vessels passing through international waters. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s daily oil supply. Each disruption by Iran has historically caused gas prices to spike for American families. President Trump warned this would occur if Iran did not negotiate in good faith, and he has been proven correct.
Despite the escalation, Pakistani officials report that U.S. and Iranian negotiations are progressing toward a deal before the April 22 ceasefire deadline. Whether Tehran will honor any agreement remains uncertain.