Tehran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz as the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports. According to ship-tracking website MarineTraffic, there are currently no signs of vessel movement through the strait. Many ships have been observed anchored across the Gulf, particularly near the coasts of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

The report notes that some ships were still passing through the vital waterway on Saturday, but traffic dropped sharply after Tehran announced the closure. On the same day, several vessels were reportedly struck by missiles or projectiles, and a separate incident involved gunfire targeting an oil tanker.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, underscores rising tensions in the region as maritime security deteriorates under the ongoing blockade.

Iran’s armed forces on Sunday turned back two oil tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, according to Tasnim News, a media outlet close to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The report said the tankers, sailing under the flags of Botswana and Angola, were forced to change course and retreat after Iranian forces intervened.

The move follows Iran’s earlier declaration that it would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Since that announcement, Tehran has maintained a strict posture over the vital maritime route, which is crucial for global energy supply.

The incident underscores heightened tensions in the region and signals Iran’s continued enforcement of its blockade policy in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.

Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami declared that the country’s armed forces are fully committed to defending Iran’s independence, territorial integrity, and security across land, air, and sea. He stated that all branches of the armed forces are enhancing their military capabilities and are ready to decisively confront any potential enemies.

Hatami emphasized that Iranian forces are inspired by the spirit of sacrifice and “jihad,” and remain steadfast in pursuing their objectives. In his remarks, he asserted that the troops are prepared for conflict and sacrifice, pledging to face enemies until their last breath.

According to the report, Hatami’s comments reaffirm Iran’s military readiness and stance amid ongoing regional tensions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country does not want war and is acting solely in self-defense against attacks from the United States and Israel. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to peace and regional stability, asserting that its actions are lawful and defensive in nature.

Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure, calling such actions violations of international law and evidence of double standards in human rights. According to Iran’s state news agency ISNA, he reiterated that Iran has not attacked any country and does not intend to do so under current circumstances.

He further explained that Iran’s measures should not be seen as aggression but as legitimate self-defense, comparing a nation’s right to defend itself to that of an individual responding to aggression.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain completely closed until the United States lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. The IRGC also confirmed that the previously designated safe passage route for ships, which allowed transit through the strait upon coordination and payment of fees, has now been suspended.

According to a statement published by Iranian state media, the IRGC canceled all prior permissions that allowed vessels to cross the strait after paying tolls to Iranian authorities. The IRGC Navy warned that any ship attempting to breach the blockade would be targeted. Tehran considers the US blockade a violation of the ceasefire between the two countries, the statement added.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route, signals heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with potential implications for regional trade and security if the standoff continues.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that no date has been set for the next round of talks between Iran and the United States. He explained that both sides must first finalize the framework of an understanding before any new meeting can take place. His comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that direct discussions might resume this weekend.

The first round of talks between the two countries ended last weekend without any agreement. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a diplomatic forum in Turkey, Khatibzadeh said Iran is focused on finalizing the structure of an understanding and does not want to enter discussions that are likely to fail or escalate tensions. He added that progress had been made, but additional demands from the U.S. side prevented a deal, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Khatibzadeh emphasized that Iran would not accept being treated as an exception under international law, underscoring Tehran’s stance on sovereignty and legal equality in negotiations.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that the United States and Israel will face a severe defeat. His message, broadcast on Iran’s state television, declared that the Iranian navy is prepared to deliver such a response. The statement comes as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, where reports indicate that at least two commercial vessels have come under fire.

In a separate televised statement, Iranian Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf also warned that war could resume at any moment. He said Tehran does not trust the United States and cautioned that renewed conflict could erupt suddenly. The warnings from both leaders were aired early Sunday on state television.

The developments highlight escalating regional instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route, as both military and political leaders in Iran signal readiness for confrontation.

Iran’s parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf declared that Iran has achieved victory on the battlefield after several weeks of war. Speaking on national television, he said the country agreed to a temporary ceasefire only because its conditions were met. Ghalibaf asserted that the United States failed to achieve its objectives and that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran’s control.

He emphasized that Iran’s acceptance of the ceasefire was not a sign of weakness but a result of its terms being accepted by the opposing side. According to Ghalibaf, every effort by the enemy aimed to impose its demands on Iran, but the nation prioritized defending its rights. He described negotiations as an integral part of the broader struggle.

The statement comes amid reports that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has halted, underscoring the ongoing regional tension surrounding the conflict and its potential impact on global trade routes.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has issued a warning that any ship attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted. According to a statement broadcast by Iran’s state-run Press TV, the IRGC declared that vessels anchored in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman must not leave their designated positions. The force stated that any movement toward the Strait of Hormuz would be considered cooperation with the enemy and that such ships would be treated as hostile targets.

The statement further instructed all ships and their owners to rely solely on official IRGC Navy communication channels for the latest updates. It also dismissed recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as lacking credibility. The warning comes amid heightened regional tensions, with no signs of ship movement currently observed through the strategic waterway.

The IRGC’s announcement underscores Iran’s intent to assert control over maritime activity in the region, signaling potential risks for international shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has formally demanded the return of its frozen assets and compensation for war-related damages ahead of direct talks with the United States in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations sent a letter to Secretary-General António Guterres seeking reparations from various countries. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mahajerani told Russian media that preliminary estimates put the losses at around $270 billion, covering infrastructure damage and industrial shutdowns.

According to Iranian state and semi-official media, billions of dollars in Iranian assets have been frozen worldwide since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, initially under an executive order by US President Jimmy Carter. Although partial returns occurred under the 1981 Algiers Accords and the 2015 nuclear deal, most funds remain inaccessible. The 2023 prisoner swap with the US briefly allowed Iran limited access to $6 billion in oil revenue held in Qatar, but that access was later suspended after renewed conflict.

Iranian officials have stated that the release of frozen assets is a non-negotiable condition for progress in any future negotiations with the United States.

Talks between the United States and Iran aimed at easing Middle East tensions have made some progress but remain stalled on major issues. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that while certain areas of understanding have been reached, significant gaps persist, making a final agreement uncertain. He emphasized that Iran prefers a step-by-step approach based on mutual commitments and cannot act unilaterally.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ghalibaf stated on state television that disagreements continue over Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these challenges, Tehran remains interested in achieving long-term peace. He also claimed that US and Israeli military actions have failed to meet their objectives and that Washington is now sending messages through mediators after agreeing to a temporary ceasefire.

The first round of US-Iran talks took place last week in Pakistan, which is now attempting to host a second round in Islamabad. The current two-week ceasefire, effective since April 8, has temporarily paused hostilities.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that although some progress has been made in ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, major differences remain on key issues. He made the remarks in comments reported by Al Jazeera, noting that while partial agreements were reached, the two countries still hold widely divergent positions on important matters.

Ghalibaf described the United States as an enemy and claimed that Washington had failed to achieve its objectives despite setting deadlines and issuing warnings. He said the US had begun sending messages through mediators after failing to reach its goals directly. According to him, Iran accepted a temporary ceasefire to pressure the US into meeting its demands, and former US President Donald Trump agreed to it because Iran had prevailed on the battlefield.

He further asserted that the US had not succeeded in changing Iran’s political system or destroying its missile and attack capabilities, adding that Trump’s efforts had failed and emphasizing that Iran is not comparable to Venezuela.

Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs reported that at least 3,468 people have been killed in the ongoing conflict involving US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The figure was released through Iran’s ISNA news agency, citing the foundation’s head, Ahmad Mousavi. Earlier, on April 12, the head of Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization had reported 3,375 deaths since the war began.

The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran. In response, Iran targeted US bases across the Middle East. After 40 days of fighting, a two-week ceasefire was brokered by Pakistan, though tensions remain high. The United States continues to blockade Iran’s seaports, while Iran maintains control over the vital energy transport route through the Strait of Hormuz.

The situation remains volatile as both sides hold their positions despite the temporary ceasefire, with no clear indication of a lasting resolution.

At least eight oil and gas tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz after Iran declared the reopening of the key trade route during a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. Ship-tracking data confirmed the movement, marking the first significant passage since the strait was closed by Iranian forces.

According to tracking firm Kpler, the vessels included one crude oil tanker, four liquefied petroleum gas carriers, two oil and chemical tankers, and one classified as an oil product ship. Another platform, Marine Traffic, showed several crude oil tankers still stationed near Iran’s Larak Island, which serves as a checkpoint for ships exiting the Persian Gulf and remains under Iranian blockade.

The closure of the strait had left hundreds of ships stranded in the Persian Gulf, sharply increasing transport costs. Many captains had avoided the area due to fears of attacks or mines, but the temporary opening allowed limited passage for some vessels.

Severe confusion and disruption have gripped maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving thousands of ships stranded. Live tracking data shows most vessels turning westward despite Iran’s announcement that the route is open for commercial navigation. Yesterday, at least 12 ships attempted to approach Larak Island, where Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps monitors movement, but all turned back midway. About 10 ships managed to cross into the Gulf of Oman today, five of which are reportedly under U.S. sanctions.

The situation has created major uncertainty for international shipping companies, most of which are avoiding risk. Gulf states have strongly protested the disruption, calling it unacceptable and reiterating that free passage through the Strait of Hormuz is a universal right. They maintain that Iran cannot impose restrictions on this vital maritime route.

The unfolding situation raises questions about how long the blockage will persist and whether U.S. naval forces will intervene to enforce sanctions or ensure freedom of navigation.