Cracks in Iranian government over Strait of Hormuz, as US weighs seizing Iranian vessels

The Strait of Hormuz continues to be the focus of tension between the United States and Iran, after the Islamic regime again closed the waterway just hours after announcing its opening. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted a message to social media following the announcement of the Lebanon ceasefire, stating that “in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.” 

However, on Saturday, as ships tried to traverse the Strait of Hormuz, at least two vessels were attacked by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fast attack boats, according to a report by the site Tanker Trackers. 

The IRGC Navy said it was extending the closure to the corridor it had previously designated for the safe passage of vessels, declaring the strait fully closed until the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and ships is lifted. 

On Friday, Iranian officials had said vessels could move through the strait after payment of a toll to the Iranian regime. 

However, following the shooting incident, a statement on Iranian state media late Saturday said that any vessels attempting to traverse the strait would be targeted. 

Iranian leaders have said the U.S. blockade constitutes a violation of the ceasefire between the two countries. 

An Iranian military spokesman said, “As a result, control over the Strait of Hormuz has been returned to its previous state, and this strategic waterway is under strict management and control by the Armed Forces.” 

He said the strait would remain closed until the U.S. ends its blockade of Iranian vessels. 

Ebrahim Azizi, the Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, posted a message to social media, saying, “We warned you, you did not pay attention! Now enjoy the return of the Strait of Hormuz situation to its previous state.” 

Additionally, Tasnim News, which is affiliated with the IRGC, made a series of posts to social media attacking Araghchi’s post, saying it “created various ambiguities regarding the conditions for passage, details, and mechanisms of passage, and led to a great deal of criticism.” 

Araghchi’s post was made just after the Lebanon ceasefire was announced, and before the IRGC issued its instructions for ships traversing the waterway, which demands payment for crossing, and forbids the passage of any ships affiliated with the U.S. or Israel. 

The attack on Araghchi’s post indicates that the IRGC is attempting to assert its interests, and again raises questions over which entity is running the Iranian government. 

Meanwhile, the U.S. military is preparing to seize Iran-linked tankers in international waters, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. 

That report claims that the U.S. will extend its blockade of Iran beyond the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East. 

The U.S. “will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Thursday. “This includes dark fleet vessels carrying Iranian oil. As most of you know, dark fleet vessels are those illicit or illegal ships evading international regulations, sanctions or insurance requirements.” 

This new phase of the pressure campaign against Iran is being called Operation “Economic Fury,” the Journal reported. The move is designed not only to bring Iran back to the negotiating table but also to get the regime to soften its demands. 

However, despite expressing optimism for a deal, President Donald Trump recently convened a White House Situation Room meeting to discuss the situation in Iran and the Persian Gulf, Axios reported. On Friday, President Trump warned that the war could resume without a deal.

President Trump had recently claimed a deal to end the war could happen “within a day or two,” and claimed to have received “some pretty good news” about Iran. 

Later, Trump also posted to his Truth Social account, saying, “Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again. It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!” 

Axios reported, however, that the U.S. is actively preparing to resume military operations if the ceasefire expires with no deal.