Iran Closes Strait Of Hormuz Again, Accuses US Of Violating Deal, Says Passage Now Requires Tehran's Approval

New Delhi: The joint military command of the IRGC has released a declaration asserting that control over the Strait of Hormuz has now "returned to its prior condition" because of the US's persistent blockade of Iranian ports.

“Consequently, authority over the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its former condition, and this crucial waterway is currently under stringent oversight and regulation by the military," it stated.

“The IRGC command stated that as long as the United States does not reinstate complete freedom of navigation for ships moving from Iran to their destinations and returning, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will be strictly regulated and unchanged”.

According to the Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), citing the spokesperson for Iran's Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Tehran had earlier agreed, in good faith, to allow limited and managed passage of oil tankers and commercial vessels through the strategic strait following negotiations.

However, the spokesperson stated that the United States repeatedly breached commitments and engaged in "piracy and banditry" under the pretext of enforcing a blockade over the ports of the Islamic Republic.

"Following previous agreements in negotiations, the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed in good faith to allow a limited number of oil tankers and commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in a managed manner. Unfortunately, the Americans, with their repeated record of breach of promise, continue to engage in piracy and banditry under the guise of a so-called blockade," the statement read, as quoted by IRIB.

The spokesperson further declared that control over the Strait has now been tightened, with the waterway placed under the "strict management and control" of Iran's armed forces.