Iran reasserts control over Strait of Hormuz in response to US blockade

Iran’s military has reasserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported, in response to what Tehran described as a US-imposed blockade on its ports.

According to reports by Fars News Agency and state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the strategic waterway would be restored to its “previous condition” and remain under tight military control.

In a statement, the IRGC accused the United States of engaging in “piracy and maritime theft” under the guise of enforcing sanctions and restricting Iranian-bound vessels.

Tehran warned that strict control over the strait would continue until full freedom of navigation for ships heading to Iranian ports is ensured.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route, remains at the centre of escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.

Iran partially opens its airspace
Iran has partially opened its airspace for international flights, even though it reimposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz for foreign commercial vessels just hours after reopening it. The country's state-run news agency IRNA reported the information.

Quoting Iran's Civil Aviation Authority, the IRNA report said the country's airspace and several airports were reopened from 7:00 am local time on Saturday, April 18, and flights would gradually begin from today. It further stated that airspace over the eastern part of the country has been kept open for international flights.

Iran's airspace had been closed since US-Israeli strikes began on February 28.