Iranian Military: "Control of Strait of Hormuz Resumed Due to U.S. Blockade"

The Iranian military announced on April 18 (local time) that it would resume control of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to AFP and other sources, on the same day, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Military Headquarters, which oversees all Iranian armed forces, told local media, "Unfortunately, the United States continues its acts of piracy, which it calls a blockade," adding, "For this reason, control over the Strait of Hormuz has been resumed." He continued, "The strait is under the strong control and command of the (Iranian) military."

Previously, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had announced the previous day that the restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be temporarily lifted following the implementation of the Lebanon ceasefire. Minister Araghchi stated, "Reflecting the situation of the Lebanon ceasefire, all merchant vessels will be fully permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the ceasefire period," adding, "(Merchant vessels passing through the strait) must follow the 'coordinated route' previously announced by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization."

The United States is maintaining its maritime blockade against Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump has stated, "The maritime blockade against Iran will remain in full effect until all transactions with Iran are 100% complete." Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, also emphasized that the U.S. military has the capacity to maintain the maritime blockade against Iran for as long as necessary, stating, "As long as President Trump directs us to maintain it, (the blockade) will continue."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.