One day after announcing the Strait open during a fragile ceasefire, Iran has reimposed strict military control over the Strait of Hormuz, prioritizing passage for vessels that pay fees while delaying others. Officials cited repeated US breaches of trust, including an ongoing blockade of Iranian ports.
Following Friday's statement that the Strait of Hormuz was open to commercial traffic under coordinated routes during the ceasefire (as covered in prior reporting), Iran announced a new policy Sunday giving priority passage to ships paying required fees, according to The Economic Times.
The measure tightens control over the vital waterway, through which much of the world's oil flows from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Non-paying vessels face delays, amid heightened tensions with the US, which maintains a blockade on Iranian ports despite the ceasefire.
Iranian officials justified the reimposition of strict military oversight by pointing to Washington's repeated breaches of the ceasefire agreement. No details on fee amounts or exact implementation were provided.
This development adds to ongoing uncertainties for shipping, including prior concerns over sea mines and security raised by the International Maritime Organization.
