Iran says it will not reopen Strait of Hormuz unless US lifts blockade
Iran refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US naval blockades and announced the seizure of two ships, further escalating tensions despite an extended ceasefire deadline.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 10:53
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 11:01 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 11:58 (57 min after Collected)
Central News
(CNA, Tehran, 22nd, Composite Foreign Report) Despite the extension of the ceasefire deadline between the United States and Iran, Iran stated today that as long as the US Navy continues its blockade, it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran also announced the seizure of two ships attempting to pass through the strategic waterway.
According to an AFP report, US President Donald Trump stated yesterday that the ceasefire deadline was extended to buy more time for peace talks brokered by Pakistan. Iran welcomed Pakistan's efforts but did not respond further to Trump's remarks.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf previously led a delegation to the first round of talks in Pakistan. He stated, "A comprehensive ceasefire is only meaningful if it is not violated by a naval blockade."
Ghalibaf pointed out, "Under circumstances of blatant ceasefire violations, it is impossible to reopen the Strait of Hormuz."
Since the attacks between Israel, the US, and Iran began, despite the US stock market recovering, oil prices have continued to soar, further driven up by uncertainties over whether the war will resume.
Trump indicated he is giving Iran's "divided" leadership time to propose negotiation plans. Many observers view this as a face-saving measure to avoid the resumption of war.
Trump told the New York Post that even if Iran has not yet confirmed its participation, talks could resume in Pakistan within 2 to 3 days. US Vice President JD Vance has paused his trip to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, today.
Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated today that its navy intercepted two vessels attempting to traverse the Strait of Hormuz and guided them toward the Iranian coast. This narrow waterway carries one-fifth of global oil shipments.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement: "This morning, two violating vessels were detected and intercepted in the Strait of Hormuz."
These ships have been identified as the Panama-flagged container ship "MSC Francesca" and the Liberia-flagged "Epaminondas".
Panama's Foreign Ministry confirmed the seizure of "MSC Francesca", calling it a "serious attack on maritime security" that provokes an "unnecessary escalation of tensions."
Under Trump's orders, the US Navy is attempting to blockade ships traveling to and from Iranian ports, seeking to increase pressure on Iran's economy even during a ceasefire.
As the US enforces the blockade, the Department of War abruptly announced today that Secretary of the Navy John Phelan will leave his post "immediately". Authorities did not explain the reason for his departure, but this marks the latest high-ranking executive to be replaced under the tenure of Trump administration Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. (Translated by: Qu Xiangping) 1150423
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(CNA, Tehran, 22nd, Composite Foreign Report) Despite the extension of the ceasefire deadline between the United States and Iran, Iran stated today that as long as the US Navy continues its blockade, it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran also announced the seizure of two ships attempting to pass through the strategic waterway.
According to an AFP report, US President Donald Trump stated yesterday that the ceasefire deadline was extended to buy more time for peace talks brokered by Pakistan. Iran welcomed Pakistan's efforts but did not respond further to Trump's remarks.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf previously led a delegation to the first round of talks in Pakistan. He stated, "A comprehensive ceasefire is only meaningful if it is not violated by a naval blockade."
Ghalibaf pointed out, "Under circumstances of blatant ceasefire violations, it is impossible to reopen the Strait of Hormuz."
Since the attacks between Israel, the US, and Iran began, despite the US stock market recovering, oil prices have continued to soar, further driven up by uncertainties over whether the war will resume.
Trump indicated he is giving Iran's "divided" leadership time to propose negotiation plans. Many observers view this as a face-saving measure to avoid the resumption of war.
Trump told the New York Post that even if Iran has not yet confirmed its participation, talks could resume in Pakistan within 2 to 3 days. US Vice President JD Vance has paused his trip to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, today.
Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated today that its navy intercepted two vessels attempting to traverse the Strait of Hormuz and guided them toward the Iranian coast. This narrow waterway carries one-fifth of global oil shipments.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement: "This morning, two violating vessels were detected and intercepted in the Strait of Hormuz."
These ships have been identified as the Panama-flagged container ship "MSC Francesca" and the Liberia-flagged "Epaminondas".
Panama's Foreign Ministry confirmed the seizure of "MSC Francesca", calling it a "serious attack on maritime security" that provokes an "unnecessary escalation of tensions."
Under Trump's orders, the US Navy is attempting to blockade ships traveling to and from Iranian ports, seeking to increase pressure on Iran's economy even during a ceasefire.
As the US enforces the blockade, the Department of War abruptly announced today that Secretary of the Navy John Phelan will leave his post "immediately". Authorities did not explain the reason for his departure, but this marks the latest high-ranking executive to be replaced under the tenure of Trump administration Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. (Translated by: Qu Xiangping) 1150423
Choose to stand with the facts. Every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA "First Hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.