Iran gunboats fire on tanker as Strait of Hormuz shuts again

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Iran has reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian forces firing on at least one tanker after ordering commercial vessels not to pass through the strategic waterway, according to multiple reports on Saturday.

The renewed closure marks a sharp escalation in tensions after a brief reopening of the strait.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, cited by Reuters and other outlets, said a tanker captain reported that two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats approached and opened fire on the vessel near Oman.

The tanker and its crew were reported safe, while a separate container ship was also said to have been hit by gunfire or a projectile in a related incident.

Iran said it had restored “strict management and control” over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports despite earlier indications that passage through the waterway would resume under limited conditions.

Tehran has said the strait will remain shut until the blockade is lifted.

The renewed disruption has raised fresh fears over global energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil and gas transit routes, carrying roughly a fifth of global seaborne energy trade. Any sustained interruption there is likely to deepen pressure on shipping markets and oil prices.

Associated Press reported that Indian-flagged tankers were among vessels forced to turn back, prompting diplomatic concern, as mediators continued efforts to prevent the confrontation from widening.

Even so, both Washington and Tehran appeared to maintain hardline positions on Saturday, leaving commercial shipping exposed to further uncertainty in the narrow maritime corridor.