The bombshell move from Iran will likely spark a furious response from Donald Trump.
Donald Trump peace deal has collapsed after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again (Image: Getty)
Iran has once more closed the Strait of Hormuz, this time citing “ceasefire violations” by the United States and Israel. The move will likely infuriate Donald Trump and trigger the collapse of any peace deal with Tehran.
Iran’s joint military command made the announcement on Saturday, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon and US “bad faith” and “its clear breach of its commitments” by failing to end the war. The statement on state television also warned that “if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned.”
Iran has reportedly closed the vital waterway again. (Image: Getty)
Iran previously said ships must seek permission to use the Strait of Hormuz and raised the prospect of future charges just days after Sir Keir Starmer and other leaders stressed “the right of transit passage without restrictions or tolls”.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a government agency set up to control the strategic waterway, posted on social media on Friday that vessels would be required to submit requests at least 48 hours in advance to pass through the channel.
It also said admin tariffs, including for “related Iranian insurances” would be waived during the 60-day negotiation period provided for by the interim peace deal to reach a lasting agreement, leaving the way open for fees being levied at a later date.
Iran looks set to continue to try and exert leverage over the strait through the PGSA in demanding ships apply for permission to transit “due to the presence of mine-affected areas and the necessity of ensuring safe passage and preventing collisions”.
The body said: “To avoid delays at the entrance or exit of the Strait of Hormuz, it is essential that passing requests, complete with all required information, are submitted at least 48 hours prior to arriving at the strait area.
“During the 60-day period, tariffs for security, safety, and environmental services, as well as related Iranian insurances, will not be collected from shipowners and will be borne by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
The interim peace deal with the US enabled Iran to immediately start selling its oil, with the future promise of economic sanctions being lifted, frozen assets released and access to a $300 billion (£227 billion) reconstruction fund if agreement is reached on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
However, the agreement has sparked criticism in Washington, including among some of the US president’s Republican allies, who argue the concessions go too far.
Mr Trump also abandoned his original promise to completely destroy Iran’s ballistic missiles, arguing it would be “unfair” if they did not have some.
