Iran Warns Strait of Hormuz Could Close Again Over US Blockade

• Iran warned the Strait of Hormuz could close again if the US naval blockade continues.
• Tehran said passage stays restricted, with transit managed under Iranian control.
• Bitcoin jumped above $78,000 as traders reacted to signs of a possible US-Iran deal.

The Strait of Hormuz reopened to commercial shipping after a ceasefire was reached in Lebanon. Iran warned the route could close again if the US naval blockade continues. Tehran said the current passage remains subject to its control and earlier ceasefire terms.

The warning came through remarks from Iran’s foreign ministry and a report by IRGC-affiliated Fars News. Both indicated that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian coordination. The Fars report said the arrangement could be reversed if the blockade continues.

Hormuz Transit Faces Blockade Threat

The report cited a source close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The source said Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz again if the blockade were not lifted.

However, Reuters reported that Iran had earlier agreed to limited daily vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran later said current shipping terms are based on the April 8 ceasefire understanding with the United States.

The report said the transit pause followed unresolved ceasefire terms in Lebanon. It also said the arrangement was not extended to Hezbollah and Israel.

The Strait of Hormuz has reopened, but only under strict conditions. Tehran said ships must be commercial. Military vessels are not allowed to pass.

Iran also said neither the ships nor their cargo can be linked to hostile countries. It added that vessels must travel through routes designated by Iranian authorities. Transit must also be coordinated with Iranian forces responsible for managing passage.

Iran Warns Blockade Could Trigger Response

Iran’s foreign ministry repeated that position on Friday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said there is “no new agreement” on the reopening of Hormuz. He said the current shipping setup is based on the April 8 ceasefire understanding with the United States.

Baghaei said transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains under the Islamic Republic’s control and subject to its coordination. He warned that any continued US naval blockade would violate the ceasefire and prompt a response.

He also said Iran had pushed for the ceasefire to include Lebanon. According to Baghaei, the Strait was reopened once a truce was reached overnight after significant efforts from various sides. 

Baghaei also repeated Tehran’s warning. He said Iran would take reciprocal measures if the other side breaks its commitments and keeps the naval blockade in place.

He also stressed Iran’s position on the waterway. “Iran is the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said. Baghaei added that Tehran would not hesitate to take steps it considers necessary to protect its national interests.

The developments also drew a response in financial markets. Bitcoin rose above $78,000 after President Donald Trump said the United States was “very close” to an agreement with Iran. 

However, as of press time, BTC traded near $77,100. The token was up about 4% over the past 24 hours.

Related: Bitcoin Hits $77K as Hormuz Reopening Calms Markets