Iranian Gunboats Fire On Tanker In Hormuz As Iran Reimposes Restrictions

The dueling blockades in the Strait of Hormuz lurched into uncharted waters on Saturday. 

The United States pressed ahead with its campaign to choke off Iranian ports and Iran reversed an initial move to reopen the waterway, firing on a ship attempting to pass. 

Confusion over the critical chokepoint threatened to deepen the energy crisis roiling the global economy and push the two countries toward



renewed conflict, even as mediators expressed confidence a new deal was within reach.

Iran’s joint military command said on Saturday that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state ... under strict management and control of the armed forces.” 

It warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect.