Iran reimposes restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz

In normal times, about 20% of the world’s crude oil and petroleum products transit the Strait of Hormuz each day, along with a similar level of natural gas and significant amounts of fertiliser and helium. — Filepic/Reuters

TEHRAN, Iran (AFP): Iran's central military command has announced it will resume "strict management" of the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a decision to unblock the strategic channel as part of negotiations with the United States.

In a statement shared on state television on Saturday (April 18), the headquarters said Washington had broken a promise by continuing its naval blockade of ships sailing to and from Iran's ports.

Until the United States restores freedom of movement for all vessels visiting Iran, "the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain strictly controlled," the statement said. – AFP