Iran Warns Strait of Hormuz ‘Will Not Remain Open’ if US Blockade Persists

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated once again after Iranian officials warned that the strategic Strait of Hormuz may be closed if the United States continues its naval blockade.

The warning was issued by Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who stated that the waterway “will not remain open” under ongoing U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports.

The development comes just days after Iran announced that the strait had been reopened to commercial shipping as part of a fragile ceasefire linked to regional conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and Lebanon.

However, Iranian authorities stressed that the reopening was conditional and subject to continued diplomatic progress.

Despite the partial reopening, the United States has maintained a naval blockade targeting vessels linked to Iran, a move Tehran has described as illegal and provocative.

Iranian officials insist that continued enforcement of the blockade undermines the ceasefire agreement and could trigger renewed restrictions on maritime traffic.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical global energy routes, handling roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Any disruption to its operations has immediate consequences for global markets, as seen in recent weeks when closures led to sharp spikes in oil prices and supply chain uncertainty.

Analysts warn that the situation remains highly volatile, with the possibility of the strait being shut again posing significant risks to global energy security.

Shipping firms and international stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, as uncertainty continues to cloud safe passage through the region.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with talks expected to continue in a bid to prevent further escalation. However, conflicting claims from both Washington and Tehran suggest that a lasting resolution remains uncertain.