At least eight oil and gas tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after Iran tempor…
Hours later, Iran's military announced the strait was closed again. Iran's central military command said that in response to a continuing American blockade, "control over the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous…
At least eight oil and gas tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after Iran temporarily reopened the crucial trade route during a ceasefire in the Middle Eastern war, according to maritime tracking data.1 One crude oil tanker, four liquefied petroleum gas vessels, two oil and chemical tankers, and one vessel classified as an "oil products" ship moved through the strait early Saturday following Iran's announcement Friday afternoon.1
Hours later, Iran's military announced the strait was closed again.2 Iran's central military command said that in response to a continuing American blockade, "control over the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous status" and is now "under strict management and control."2
The reversal created doubt about optimism expressed by American President Donald Trump the previous day that a peace agreement to end the US-Israel war with Iran was "very close."2 Tehran had opened the strait on Friday after a ceasefire was agreed in Lebanon to end Israel's war with Hezbollah.2 World markets had rallied and oil prices fallen, but when Trump insisted an American naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until an agreement was reached, Tehran threatened to close the strait again.2
Commercial vessels came under fire from Iranian forces as they attempted to cross the strait on Saturday, security monitors reported.3 A maritime security agency in the United Kingdom (UKMTO) said members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) fired on a tanker, while security firm Vanguard Tech reported the Guard threatened to "destroy" an empty cruise ship attempting to flee the Gulf after the strait reopened.3 The British agency said the IRGC fired on the tanker in the strait northeast of Oman, identifying the vessel as the Sanmar Herald, sailing under the Indian flag.3 The crew and ship were safe, though shots caused damage to the bridge windows.3
Tracking data showed several other crude oil tankers were near Iran's Larak island, a checkpoint for ships attempting to leave the Gulf amid the Iranian blockade.1 Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally moves through the strait, but traffic had nearly stopped after war broke out on 28 February with American and Israeli attacks on Iran.1