Iran Reaffirms Hormuz Blockade as Ceasefire Nears End

Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to blocking commercial ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz until the United States lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, escalating tensions as a fragile ceasefire nears its expiration on Wednesday. The announcement came amid failed attempts to reopen the vital waterway on Saturday, when Iranian forces fired on two India-flagged vessels, forcing them to retreat and restoring the pre-truce restrictions.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint in the Persian Gulf through which about one-fifth of the world's oil trade flows, has been closed to most traffic since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28. The conflict stemmed from stalled negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program and quickly drew in Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. A temporary truce took effect last Friday, prompting Iran to briefly signal a reopening of the strait. However, President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. naval blockade would persist until a comprehensive deal is reached, prompting Tehran to reverse course.

In a state television interview aired late Saturday, Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammed...