Strait of Hormuz Under Strict Iranian Control Amid Ceasefire Concerns Iran's joint military command asserts full control over the Strait of Hormuz, its operational status restored. President Trump warns against Iranian attempts at 'blackmail' and hints at not extending a fragile ceasefire, potentially leading to renewed military action. International shipping faced incidents, including reported gunfire from Iranian forces on tankers, as Iran restricts passage through the vital waterway. A significant development has unfolded in the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint for global oil trade. Iran's joint military command announced that control of the strait has reverted to its previous state, asserting strict management and oversight by its armed forces. This assertion comes amid ongoing tensions with the United States. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters, dismissed any notion of Iran being able to blackmail the U.S., highlighting that many ships are now rerouting to American ports like those in Texas and Louisiana. He suggested this shift in shipping routes has become a normalized practice, potentially a consequence of Iran's actions. During a flight aboard Air Force One, President Trump indicated that he might not extend a fragile 10-day ceasefire, which is slated to expire on Wednesday. He stated, 'Maybe I won't extend it, but the blockade is going to remain.' He further elaborated on the potential consequences of failing to reach a deal, implying a return to military action: 'But maybe I won't extend it, so you have a blockade, and unfortunately, we'll have to start dropping bombs again.' This suggests a high-stakes diplomatic period ahead, with the possibility of renewed conflict if negotiations falter. The stability of the region is intrinsically linked to the free flow of commerce through this waterway. The reopening of the strait by Iran coincided with reports of a tense encounter involving international shipping. A vessel-tracking service indicated that two Indian ships, one of which was carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil, altered their course following alleged gunfire from Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The British military corroborated these reports, stating that Iranian gunboats fired upon a tanker transiting the strait shortly after Iran reimposed transit restrictions. Fortunately, the vessel and its crew were reported to be safe. This incident underscores the precarious nature of maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has intermittently limited access to vessels it authorizes, particularly as U.S. tensions persist. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for global energy markets and international relations