Iran has backflipped on its agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, after the United States imposed a counter-blockade on the major oil route.
Armed Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces will begin patrolling the Strait, according to an IRGC statement broadcast on several Iranian state-run news agencies.
“Control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state. . .under strict management and control of the armed forces,” the statement said.
Iran had previously announced the Strait of Hormuz was open, but Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned it “will not remain open” if the US-imposed blockade continues.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the US-imposed blockade will “remain in full force” until Iran agrees to a deal, including regarding the country’s nuclear program.
Later on Saturday, the British military reported a tanker was hit by IRGC gunboats while it was attempting to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.
The tanker — which is so far unidentified — was reported safe along with its crew, according to the United Kingdom Trade Operations Centre.
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