IRIB, Iran's state television: On April 17, the Iranian military issued a statement saying that due to the U.S. refusal to lift its maritime blockade on Iran’s Gulf ports, the Strait of Hormuz has "returned to its previous status." This means the shipping channel through the Strait of Hormuz has "been effectively closed again, and all passage now requires explicit approval from Iran."
This statement by Iran’s official media signifies Iran’s withdrawal from the brief opening gesture it made on April 17, reverting instead to strict, military-controlled management under the authority of its armed forces. This incident is a direct outcome of an intense "policy reversal" standoff between the U.S. and Iran.
The trigger for this event was a goodwill gesture made by Iran on April 17.
On April 17, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that, given the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels during the ceasefire period. This news briefly eased market nerves, causing international oil prices to plummet immediately.
U.S. "Contradictory" Response (April 17–18)
President Trump initially welcomed the move, declaring the strait "fully open." However, he quickly added that the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran would continue until a "100% agreement" is reached between the two countries.
Iran viewed America’s continued blockade as "breach of faith" and "maritime piracy," arguing that the U.S. had not shown equivalent sincerity. In direct response, the Iranian military announced on April 18 that control over the strait would be "restored to its previous status."
The phrase "restored to its previous status" in the Iranian military’s statement fundamentally refers to re-establishing Iran’s absolute control over the strait.
This specifically means that all vessels—primarily civilian ships—must obtain prior, explicit authorization from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy before passing through.
Vessels granted permission must strictly follow routes designated by Iran.
Vessels from the United States and other countries imposing sanctions on Iran are explicitly prohibited from passing through.
The entire strait is under tight surveillance and strict management by Iran’s armed forces.
Iran’s move is a direct countermeasure against ongoing U.S. pressure, aiming to leverage control over this global strategic chokepoint to strengthen its position in negotiations. It sends a clear message to the world: unless the U.S. lifts its blockade, Iran will not restore normal passage through the strait.
You block my ports, I block the entire strait. You act first with the blockade, I respond in kind—justice is on my side. In this game of power, Iran has always stood on the moral high ground.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862813522889792/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.