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Conditions for the fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran deteriorated on Saturday as the Strait of Hormuz became more of a combat zone again, closing off ship traffic and keeping the global economy mired in an energy crisis.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned ships in the Persian Gulf that vessels of any type or nationality will be destroyed if they try to cross the narrow waterway.
That came after several ships reported coming under attack from projectiles and small boats on Saturday as the regime asserted its control over strait after Iran’s foreign minister and President Donald Trump declared it fully open on Friday.
Iran has said the strait will not reopen until the U.S. lifts its naval blockade, which Trump said will remain in place until a deal is reached.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced on Thursday that the interdiction of ships would expand beyond those entering or leaving Iranian ports and will now include “any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran.”
That also means so-called dark fleet ships that carry Iranian oil and evade sanctions, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said U.S. Indo-Pacific Command will help implement the wider dragnet.
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