Iran to keep Hormuz Strait routes closed until its demands are met
Iran announced it will maintain the closure of shipping lanes it deems illegal in the Hormuz Strait, citing unmet demands.
Iran plans to keep the Hormuz Strait shipping channels it labels illegal under its control, according to a Revolutionary Guard adviser who highlighted that the routes were created by blasting rocks and are used by small oil-smuggling vessels. The Iranian Islamic Republic's armed forces will retain full authority over the area until Tehran's demands are satisfied. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baker Kalibaf stated that the strait will only be reopened if the United States fulfills the conditions of a June interim agreement.
He noted recent U.S. proposals through a mediator but warned that the window for unilateral demands has closed. Data from ship-tracking firm Kpler show that crude exports in the region have risen toward pre-conflict levels, though the Revolutionary Guard disputes claims that U.S. naval assistance restored oil flow. Analyst Madzsid Mirahmadi reported current traffic of about ten vessels per day, far below the pre-war average of 125.
Why it matters
The closure affects global oil shipments through a key chokepoint, influencing energy markets and international relations.
How this story developed
- Sep 14 US claims Hormuz traffic improving as oil prices surge amid regional attacks
- Sep 21 Fire on the tanker was extinguished after the projectile strike.
- Sep 23 A cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile, igniting a fire and forcing crew evacuation.
- Sep 24 Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf producers have rerouted oil through spare pipeline capacity and a U.S.-protected corridor, keeping global supply steady despite higher prices.
- Sep 29 Brent crude rose about 4% to just over $107 a barrel after Donald Trump’s contradictory statements and the US announced the final withdrawal of its forces from Iraq.
- Oct 2 The administration emphasized managing public expectations about a rapid settlement with Iran.
- Oct 3 A second tanker was hit east of Oman, adding to the earlier incident in the strait.
- Oct 5 The G7 announced a release of diesel and crude from emergency reserves.
- Oct 5 A U.S. naval blockade has caused a backlog of hundreds of trucks at the Gürbulak crossing, with waits up to five days.
In this story
Related stories
20 in this thread