Iran says it's closing the Strait of Hormuz again, just a day after reopening it

Iran is once again threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical waterway for global oil shipments, just a day after saying it had reopened. Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf, speaker of Iran's parliament, said Friday that passage through the strait would now depend on whether the U.S. lifts its blockade of Iranian ports-a condition that has not been met. The announcement reverses a brief moment of de-escalation and puts fresh pressure on international shipping and diplomacy.

The Strait of Hormuz, which separates Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most important energy chokepoints. Around one-fifth of the world's oil passes through it daily, making any disruption a potential trigger for price spikes and supply concerns. Iran has long used the threat of closure as leverage during times of tension, knowing the global economy is sensitive to even the suggestion of a blockage.

Earlier on Thursday, Iran had declared the strait open again, following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. That move was seen by some as a sign that regional tensions might be cooling. But by Friday evening, Qalibaf's comments signaled a sharp reversal. He said vessel passage would now be restricted to designated routes and subject to Iranian oversight, framing the decision as a response to what he called U.S. violations of prior understandings.

President Trump, however, has pushed back, insisting the strait remains open for business. His administration has maintained a strong naval presence in the region, and U.S. officials argue that freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. The disconnect between Tehran's statements and Washington's stance underscores how fragile the situation remains, with both sides interpreting the same events in starkly different ways.

Analysts warn that the rapid shift in Iran's position could reflect internal divisions or a strategy to gain leverage through unpredictability. Either way, the back-and-forth increases the risk of accidents or miscalculations, especially with military vessels from multiple countries operating in close proximity.

For now, commercial shipping appears to be continuing, but with caution. Some energy traders have already started adjusting prices in anticipation of possible delays or rerouting. Insurance rates for tankers moving through the area could rise if the uncertainty continues.

The latest turn shows how quickly stability in the region can unravel. Even brief disruptions to the flow of oil through Hormuz can send ripples through global markets. With diplomatic channels strained and rhetoric heating up, the coming days may test whether cooler heads can prevail-or whether the region is sliding back into a more dangerous phase.