Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again Over US Blockade

Iran’s Move Against US Blockade

Iran has alleged that the United States has breached the ceasefire by sustaining a port blockade. The Islamic republic’s military announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in a statement disseminated through Iranian media. This strategic waterway, which accounts for a fifth of global crude oil and petroleum product traffic, was reopened on Friday but remained largely shut during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Tehran, intensifying the region’s energy challenges.

US Sanctions Waiver on Russian Oil

On Friday, the US extended a temporary waiver permitting the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products at sea. This license, issued by the Treasury Department, allows transactions from Friday through May 16, effectively replacing a 30-day waiver that expired on April 11. The measure excludes dealings with Iran, Cuba, and North Korea.

Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Impact

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his diplomatic journey in Turkey, the final stop of a three-nation tour aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. “I leave Antalya with fond memories and a renewed commitment to strengthen fraternal ties between our nations,” he stated in a social media post. Sharif had previously engaged with leaders in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, seeking to mediate between Iran and the US.

“Despite internal displacement in Iran and Lebanon, the war has not prompted significant migration to Europe,” said German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, highlighting that European authorities continue to implement precautionary measures.

Trump’s Potential Exit from Ceasefire

On Friday, US President Donald Trump hinted at withdrawing from the ceasefire with Iran if a long-term agreement is not reached by Wednesday. “Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade on Iranian ports will stay,” he remarked during a press briefing aboard Air Force One. Trump also mentioned a “pretty good news” regarding Iran, though he declined to specify details. He planned to make a public statement on Saturday, unrelated to the conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran partially reopened its airspace to international flights transiting the eastern part of the country, according to the Civil Aviation Authority. However, flight tracking platforms like Flightradar24 still displayed no activity over Iranian airspace three hours after the scheduled reopening. The move followed the country’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global energy flows.