Tensions in the Persian Gulf reached a new peak on Saturday when the naval arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the "complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic."
In an official statement published by the Tasnim news agency, Iran said the move was taken in response to what it called a US violation of the ceasefire terms and Washington's failure to lift the naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Iranian officials made clear that, as of Saturday, all ship movement in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman toward the strait is prohibited. The statement said any vessel violating the directive would be considered to be cooperating with the enemy and would become a target for attack.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf addressed the situation, saying, "Control of the strait is in our hands. It is impossible for others to pass through the strait while we cannot. If the US does not lift the blockade, traffic will be permanently restricted."
Alongside the militant rhetoric, Tehran also appears to be trying to formalize a payment mechanism for passage through the area. A senior Iranian official told CNN that priority would be given to vessels that respond quickly to the new protocols and pay for "security and safety services." According to the official, vessels that do not pay the fees will have their passage "delayed."
US prepares to expand enforcement
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US military is preparing to expand enforcement of the naval blockade. According to the report, Washington intends to seize oil tankers linked to Iran in international waters around the world in the coming days. The move follows what US officials said were Iranian military attacks on several commercial vessels.
Despite the escalation on the ground, diplomatic channels have not been completely shut down. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said it is reviewing "new proposals" from Washington that were conveyed through Pakistan. According to the reports, the US is considering unfreezing $20 billion in exchange for Iran giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium. No date has yet been set for another round of talks, while the ultimatum set by President Donald Trump for reaching an agreement expires this coming Wednesday.
