TEHRAN, May 31: Iran has said that restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz remain in force despite US President Donald Trump’s recent claim that a naval blockade on the country would be lifted.
According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, Iranian sailors reported that vessels are still being prevented from freely passing through the strategic waterway and continue to receive warnings from US Central Command against entering certain areas.
Trump stated on Truth Social that the US naval blockade on Iran “will now be lifted” and outlined conditions for a broader agreement with Tehran.
He said Iran must permanently abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons, the Strait of Hormuz should be fully reopened to unrestricted shipping, and water mines in the area should be removed.
Trump also proposed that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles be located and destroyed in cooperation with Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iran, however, has maintained that nuclear-related issues are not part of the current stage of negotiations.
Tehran also insists it retains authority over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the country’s armed forces are exercising full control over the waterway and that all vessels, including commercial ships and oil tankers, must use routes designated by Iran and obtain permission from the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC Navy said 20 vessels had passed through the strait in the previous 24 hours after coordinating with Iranian maritime authorities.
Iranian officials stated that these ships were allowed transit due to their countries’ need for commodities such as chemical fertilizers.
Iran tightened controls over the Strait of Hormuz in February following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, restricting vessels linked to the US and Israel.
Washington has also maintained its own naval restrictions, limiting traffic to and from Iranian ports, underscoring the continuing tensions despite diplomatic efforts and ceasefire discussions. (IANS)
