Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Reopening "Impossible" Amid Ceasefire Violations

Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Reopening "Impossible" Amid Ceasefire Violations

Iran's parliamentary speaker has rejected the possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of flagrant violations of the recently established ceasefire agreement between Washington, Israel, and Tehran.

Mohammad Ghaher Ghalibaf, chairman of the Iranian parliament, stated on social media that "a complete ceasefire makes sense only if it is not violated through maritime blockades and taking the global economy hostage. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible in the case of such flagrant breaches of the ceasefire."

Escalating Naval Tensions and Economic Disruption

Since the outbreak of hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran on February 28, severe restrictions on maritime navigation in the Middle East have disrupted the transport of oil and gas from the region, driving up commodity prices. Iran has nearly completely blocked passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States maintains its own blockade of Iranian ports. Reports this week documented fresh attacks by Iranian forces on vessels transiting the waterway, and American naval forces have intercepted multiple Iranian commercial vessels in recent days.

Mine Clearance Operations Underway

On Friday, President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that "Iran, with US assistance, has already removed or is removing all sea mines." Admiral Bradley Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, confirmed the same day that American forces are conducting demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz. While unable to specify the exact number of mines deployed by Iran, Cooper assured that the quantity falls within American operational capabilities.

However, according to the Washington Post, citing Pentagon estimates, complete removal of all mines placed in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran could take up to six months. The Pentagon reportedly indicated that the operation likely cannot be completed before the conclusion of the U.S.-Iran conflict, suggesting that economic disruptions from the current conflict may persist through the end of the year or beyond.

Mutual Accusations Over Ceasefire Compliance

Both nations have accused each other of violating the ceasefire that has been in effect for two weeks. On Tuesday, Trump indefinitely extended the ceasefire, stating this decision provides Tehran time to present its own peace proposal. The status of planned second-round peace negotiations, mediated by Pakistan, remains unclear.

On Wednesday, Iranian President Ebrahim Pezeshkian posted on X that "the main obstacle to genuine negotiations is American ceasefire violations and threats." He added that "the world witnesses the full hypocrisy of American rhetoric and contradictions between declarations and actions."

Nuclear Program Central to Negotiations

Any agreement ending the conflict would address Iran's nuclear program among other issues. Trump has repeatedly claimed to have reached an understanding with Iran on this matter, claims contradicted by signals from Tehran. In recent days, the American president has renewed threats of attacks on Iranian bridges and power plants should Tehran refuse to accept his proposed conditions.