Iran's military command reimposed control over the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday morning, reversing its decision to reopen the critical waterway less than 24 hours after declaring it open to commercial traffic. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps cited the United States' continued naval blockade of Iranian ports as justification for the abrupt closure.
The reversal came as multiple vessels attempted to transit the strait during the brief window of opportunity. Maritime tracking data showed at least eight oil and gas tankers successfully crossed the waterway early Saturday, while others turned back near Iran's Larak Island checkpoint amid uncertainty over the changing situation.
Two ships reported coming under gunfire from Iranian forces during transit attempts. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre confirmed that Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired on a tanker northeast of Oman, though the vessel and crew remained safe. A separate container ship was reportedly hit by an unknown projectile, causing damage to containers but no fire.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous status and is under strict management and control of the armed forces
Iranian military central command — Iranian state television
The strait carries approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas in normal times, making it a crucial chokepoint for global energy supplies. The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition, now in its eighth week, has severely disrupted traffic through the waterway since February 28.