(Image source from: REUTERS)
Iran has changed its decision on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and has reintroduced limits on this important waterway, just a day after US President Donald Trump announced he would maintain the naval blockade "with full force". Iran’s military leadership stated that the United States had gone back on its word by continuing the naval blockade of ships traveling to and from Iran’s ports. They mentioned, "As long as the United States does not allow free movement for all ships visiting Iran, the conditions in the Strait of Hormuz will stay firmly regulated. " On Friday, Tehran declared that the strait was open following a ceasefire in Lebanon that paused Israel's conflict with Hezbollah. However, late Saturday morning, Iranian state television reported, using information from the military's main command, that "control of the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its previous state" and "is under strict oversight and management by the armed forces," blaming the ongoing US blockade. This statement was made after US President Donald Trump said that even though Iran decided to reopen the strait on Friday, the US blockade would continue in full until Tehran comes to an agreement with Washington, especially regarding its nuclear program.
The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow passageway through which about one-fifth of the globe’s oil supply flows. Its closure for nearly two months during the Iran war had an impact on crude oil prices and supply in numerous countries.
In addition, Iran partially reopened its airspace on Saturday for international flights passing over the eastern part of its land. The country's Civil Aviation Authority reported, "Air routes in the eastern section of the nation’s airspace are available for international flights passing through Iran," adding that several airports reopened at 7:00 am (0330 GMT). The conflict, which started with US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, has resulted in the deaths of at least 3,000 people in Iran, over 2,290 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and over a dozen in Gulf Arab nations. Thirteen US military personnel have also lost their lives.
