US forces have turned back commercial vessels attempting to get past the restored naval blockade of Iranian ports as strikes continued aimed at stopping Tehran’s attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ongoing clashes over the contested Gulf waterway, which is vital to global energy supplies, have fuelled concerns of a return to a full-blown conflict.
The blockade was lifted last month after an interim ceasefire deal was reached, which was supposed to reopen the channel and pave the way for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear plans.
But talks have stalled amid the escalating violent struggle over the strait, triggered by Iran attacking cargo ships.
The renewed hostilities led US President Donald Trump to declare the truce over and reimpose the blockade, which came back into force on Tuesday.
Less than 24 hours after restarting, US central command (Centcom), which oversees military operations in the Middle East, said two vessels had been redirected.
It said in a post on X: “The US military remains vigilant and prepared to ensure full compliance.”
In reply, Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have threatened to block energy trading in the Middle East.
It said: “The export of oil and gas from the region will be either for everyone or for no one.”
Iran has also continued carrying out missile and drone strikes against US allies in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.
The strait had been open before the war launched by the US and Israel on February 28.
In response to the offensive, Tehran effectively closed the waterway to maritime traffic, which disrupted global oil and gas supplies and drove up fuel and food prices.
Despite the initial deal with the US, Iran continued to exert leverage over the sea route by demanding ships seek permission to transit, raising the threat of future charges and attacking vessels.
Tehran claims it controls the channel, while this is disputed by the US and other countries, which cite international law on freedom of navigation.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump warned on Fox News that more strikes would be carried out against Iran and repeated his threat that bridges and power plants could be targeted unless talks resume.
In a message to Tehran, the president said: “You better make a deal, or you’re not going to have anything left.”
At the same time, mediators are working to try to get the US and Iran back to the negotiating table.
Mr Trump dropped short-lived controversial plans to levy a 20% toll on shipping for safe passage through the strait, after being contacted by allies.
The so-called “reimbursement fee” will be replaced by investment deals, he said.
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