Iran has backtracked this Saturday and has decided to close the Strait of Hormuz again, just hours after announcing its partial reopening. Iranian authorities justify the change of position by the continuity of the naval deployment of United States in the area.
The movement returns tension to one of the planet's main geopolitical hotspots and reopens uncertainty about global energy supply.
A key step for oil
The Strait of Hormuz is an essential route for the international trade of crude oil and gas. A decisive part of the energy exports from the Persian Gulf transits through this maritime corridor.
Any restriction at that point usually translates into immediate pressure on markets, maritime transport, and energy prices.
The truce, in the air
The Iranian decision comes amid the final countdown of the ceasefire reached last April 8, which expires this week.
While Washington maintains that diplomatic contacts remain open, Tehran insists that it will not normalize the situation as long as the US military pressure in the area persists.
The reopening seemed like a gesture of détente. The new closure confirms that the crisis is far from being resolved.