'Will Not Reopen Strait of Hormuz': Iran Says Ceasefire Meaningful Only If US Lifts Naval Blockade

Tehran, Iran: Iran has made it clear that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US naval blockade of Iranian ports continues as talks between the United States and Iran are in a continued stalemate.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has asserted that a complete ceasefire only has meaning if it is not violated through a naval blockade. The remarks comes after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of its blockade against Iran.

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Over 10.7 million barrels of Iranian crude oil left the Gulf following the US naval blockade, according to energy analytics firm Vortexa. The firm tracked 34 movements of sanctioned or Iran-linked tankers between April 13 and Monday, including 19 outbound and 15 inbound voyages.

Notably,  John Phelan stepped down as US Navy secretary with immediate effect on Wednesday, and he was reportedly ousted for clashing with senior officials about the war on Iran. Hung Cao has now becoming the acting Navy secretary.

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As the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, remains closed due to the US naval blockade in the area, Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the blockade remains in place. Oil prices rose by approximately 4% this Thursday due to the supply risk.