Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz again

Iran has announced that it will take tighter control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway in the Persian Gulf. The country's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the decision was taken because the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports.

In a statement on Saturday (April 18), the IRGC said that it accused the United States of "piracy and maritime theft in the name of the blockade." The statement said that from now on, the Strait of Hormuz will be under strict surveillance by the armed forces and its control has been restored.

The IRGC also said that the vital waterway will remain under tight control until the United States ensures full freedom of movement for Iranian ships.

Earlier, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that if the blockade continues, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed and shipping through this route will depend on Iran's approval.

According to analysts, such a decision could have a major impact on the international oil and trade system, as the Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway of great importance for global energy supplies.