00:21Two ships, one choke point, and a message that's sending shockwaves through global trade.
00:27In a dramatic escalation, Iran has denied passage to two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing both vessels
00:35to turn back under armed pressure.
00:38According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, one Botswana-flagged tanker and one Angola-flagged vessel were intercepted within the last
00:4724 hours.
00:48Both were attempting to transit the narrow but critical waterway, only to be stopped and ordered to reverse course.
00:55The operation was carried out by the naval wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
01:01Iran describes it as timely action, part of what it calls strict and selective control of the Strait.
01:08And this latest move comes just days after Iran appeared to de-escalate.
01:13On April 17, Tehran declared the Strait completely open, allowing limited commercial shipping to resume.
01:21But within 24 hours, that decision was reversed.
01:24By April 18, Iran reimposed full restrictions, accusing the United States of violating ceasefire terms by maintaining its naval blockade
01:35on Iranian ports.
01:36Now, the Strait is back under what Iranian officials call strict management.
01:41And enforcement is already visible.
01:44Reports indicate IRGC gunboats have fired warning shots at vessels attempting to pass, including incidents involving Indian-flagged ships.
01:54At least one tanker was forced to abort transit after coming under direct warning fire.
02:00The UK maritime trade operations has also confirmed attacks on merchant vessels, though crews were reported safe.
02:08Still, the signal is clear. Passage is no longer guaranteed.
02:14Meanwhile, Washington is holding its ground.
02:17President Donald Trump has insisted the US naval blockade will remain in full force until a broader deal is reached
02:25on Iran's nuclear program and regional activities.
02:28That stance is clashing directly with Tehran's demands.
02:32Iran says the strait will remain restricted until the blockade is lifted.
02:37The result is a high-stakes standoff, playing out in one of the world's most sensitive maritime zones.
02:44Oil markets have already reacted.
02:46Prices, which briefly dropped on hopes of reopening, are climbing again amid renewed fears of disruption.
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