Iran warns Hormuz may close again amid US blockade

The Strait of Hormuz has re-emerged as a focal point for global energy markets after Iran warned it could close the critical oil transit route again if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, raising fresh concerns over supply disruption.

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the waterway’s status would depend on US actions, warning that continued restrictions on Iranian shipping could prompt a renewed closure. “With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open,” he wrote, adding that passage would require authorisation from Tehran.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying around one-fifth of global crude oil and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas. Any disruption to flows through the Gulf has immediate implications for oil prices, shipping costs and global fuel supply chains.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei reinforced the warning, stating that maritime restrictions by the United States would be treated as a violation of the ceasefire. “What they call a naval blockade will definitely be met with an appropriate response from Iran,” he said. “A naval blockade is a violation of the ceasefire, and Iran will definitely take the necessary measures.” He added that decisions on the strait “are determined in the field”.

The renewed threat came just hours after Iran had reopened the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire agreement linked to fighting between Lebanon and Israel. The reopening had triggered a sharp fall in oil prices and lifted global equity markets, reflecting expectations of improved energy supply flows.

United States President Donald Trump said Washington was close to securing a broader agreement with Tehran, telling AFP there were “no sticking points at all” and that a deal was “very close”. Speaking in Phoenix, Arizona, he also claimed Iran had agreed to hand over its enriched uranium, saying, “We’re going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators.” Iran rejected that assertion, stating its uranium stockpile would not be transferred “anywhere”.

Energy markets had already been trending lower on expectations of easing tensions. The reopening of the strait accelerated the decline in oil prices, with increased supply expectations and reduced shipping risk premiums contributing to the drop. Additional downward pressure came after the United States issued a waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products already at sea, effectively increasing available supply in global markets.

The ceasefire in Lebanon and the temporary stabilisation of Hormuz have been central to Washington’s efforts to secure a broader settlement to the conflict with Iran. Tehran had previously insisted that any agreement must include a halt to fighting in Lebanon.

Despite the diplomatic progress, uncertainty remains high. Iran’s renewed warning underscores the fragility of supply routes in the Gulf and highlights the continued vulnerability of global energy markets to geopolitical developments.

Regional tensions also persist. Israel has indicated that military operations against Hezbollah are not yet complete, while Lebanon has sought to avoid further escalation. Any deterioration in the ceasefire could once again threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with direct consequences for oil prices, electricity generation costs and inflation in energy-importing economies.

Analysts say the situation reflects a broader structural risk for global energy security. While the reopening of the strait offers short-term relief, the possibility of renewed disruption continues to weigh on markets, reinforcing the importance of stable maritime routes for sustaining global oil and gas supply.