Iran reimposes Hormuz transit restrictions after rare tanker convoy passes

Iran said Saturday it is reimposing restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling renewed pressure on one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes despite signs of limited movement through the waterway just hours earlier.

Tehran said the decision followed what it described as a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. The announcement undercut suggestions that a broader breakthrough had been reached over the future of the strait.

Rare tanker movement preceded renewed restrictions

The latest move came after vessel-tracking data showed the first major convoy of tankers transiting the strait since the current crisis began. The passage highlighted the fragility of the limited diplomatic opening that had allowed some commercial movement to resume.

In its statement, Iran said a restricted number of commercial ships and oil tankers had previously been allowed to pass under temporary understandings reached during negotiations. It accused the United States of carrying out “piracy” under the cover of sanctions and said tighter Iranian supervision had now been restored.

Iranian officials indicated that any continued passage through the strait would remain conditional and subject to new rules unless Washington eases restrictions on ships traveling to and from Iran.

Trump claims progress; Tehran rejects it

The Iranian decision followed mixed messages from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he had secured major concessions from Tehran, including the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, an agreement to allow enriched uranium to be removed, and an end to Iranian support for regional proxy groups.

Iran rejected those claims. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Trump of making false statements and said Tehran would not be influenced by what he described as media warfare and attempts to shape public opinion.

Trump also said the ceasefire might not be extended if no agreement is reached, while warning that the U.S. could resume bombing even as he said he still believed a deal was possible.

Diplomatic efforts continue amid uncertainty

According to multiple reports, European leaders held talks on Friday aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing maritime traffic. But public messaging afterward remained cautious, with Western leaders warning that any apparent progress would need to be backed by a durable and workable agreement.

By Saturday morning, several tankers had successfully exited the Persian Gulf through the strait. Even so, Iran’s latest announcement made clear that any wider reopening remains tied to its confrontation with Washington over sanctions, shipping access, and port restrictions.

Iranian and U.S. sources said another round of talks could be held on Monday in Pakistan, as regional and Western officials attempt to convert the temporary easing into a broader arrangement. For now, however, the status of the strait remains unstable and highly sensitive to developments in the standoff.