Iran has reimposed strict military control over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of continuing to block ships to and from Iranian ports despite ceasefire arrangements, according to Reuters.

Tehran said these actions — which it described as violations of ceasefire understandings and “acts of piracy” — prompted the decision to tighten control over the waterway. Shortly afterward, at least two merchant vessels reported being hit by gunfire while attempting to transit the strait, highlighting the escalating risks to commercial shipping.

Tehran said it had initially allowed limited vessel passage “in good faith” following negotiations but reversed course due to continued U.S. actions.

Ships come under fire after control tightened

At least two merchant vessels reported they were struck by gunfire on Saturday as they attempted to cross the strait, three maritime security and shipping sources told Reuters. The extent of the damage was not immediately clear.

The incidents came soon after Iran announced it was restoring strict military oversight of the waterway.

Earlier in the day, maritime tracking data showed a convoy of eight tankers moving through the strait — the first major movement of vessels since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began seven weeks ago.

Military control tied to U.S. blockade dispute

Iran’s armed forces said transit conditions had reverted to strict military control, arguing that the United States had not upheld its side of de-escalation efforts and was still preventing vessels from accessing Iranian ports.

A spokesperson said Iran had previously allowed a limited number of tankers and commercial ships to pass “in good faith” under negotiated arrangements, but reversed that decision due to what it described as continued U.S. interference in shipping.

There was no immediate response from Washington.

Escalating rhetoric and fragile ceasefire

In a defiant message posted on Telegram, Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran’s navy was ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on its enemies.

The developments come despite Iran’s earlier announcement that it would temporarily reopen the strait following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement involving Israel and Lebanon.

U.S. President Donald Trump said there was “some pretty good news” regarding Iran but warned fighting could resume if no long-term agreement is reached before the ceasefire expires Wednesday.