Renewed Restrictions
Iran's military said on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz has "returned to its previous state," reinstating strict control over the critical waterway. This announcement followed President Trump's statement that the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place. Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf, speaker of Iran's Parliament, said that Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz again amid the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
Attacks on Vessels
Adding to the tension, a U.S. defense official and the UK Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) reported that Iran fired on tankers in the Strait. At least three attacks on commercial ships occurred on Saturday, according to a U.S. official. The UKMTO reported two attacks, with at least one ship sustaining damage but no reported injuries. TankerTrackers.com indicated that two of the ships targeted were Indian vessels, one carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil.
U.S. Response and Negotiations
President Trump convened a White House Situation Room meeting on Saturday morning to discuss the renewed crisis. Attendees included Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Trump said Iran "got a little cute... they wanted to close up the Strait again," and added that the nation "can't blackmail us." Despite the renewed tensions, Trump said the U.S. is still talking to Iran and will know by the end of the day if the parties will move forward with a deal.
For example, the sources also report that Trump claimed ships are now coming to Texas and Louisiana, benefiting the U.S. from the disruptions.
Ceasefire Concerns
The renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz comes as the ceasefire is expected to expire in three days. A senior U.S. official said that if there is no breakthrough soon, the war could resume in the coming days. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said that the U.S. presented new proposals during mediation talks held by Pakistani army chief Asim Munir in Tehran this week, and that Iran is reviewing them.
International Condemnation
UNIFIL confirmed the soldier's death, writing that he and his team had been a part of explosives clearing. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called the attack harmful to Lebanon's global reputation.
Impact on Shipping
A container ship reported being struck by an "unknown projectile" causing damage 25 nautical miles northeast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operation.
Iranian Perspective
An Iranian official said the U.S. "continue to engage in banditry and maritime piracy." The official added, "As long as the United States does not agree to the complete freedom of navigation for vessels .... the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain tightly controlled and in its previous state." Mohammad Reza Aref, Iran's First Vice President, said, "Trump's policies are a blend of delusion and contradictory rhetoric, and his tweets are worthless."
Economic Repercussions
The latest announcement from Iran that it had again closed the strait reignited concerns about how shipments would get through the narrow waterway, through which about 20% of the world's crude oil and natural gas typically passes. Oil prices tumbled and stock markets rallied on the announcement the strait was open for commercial ships.
Looming Deadline
With the ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday, President Trump warned that the U.S. could strike Iran again if no deal is reached. Trump told News Nation that if no deal is reached by Wednesday's deadline, "we'll… drop bombs again."
The sources also report that two of the ships targeted in the attacks were Indian vessels, one carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil.