Iran tightens control of Strait of Hormuz, Trump warns against ‘blackmail’

(Reuters)

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD, April 18 – Iran said it was tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, warning mariners the vital energy route was again closed, but President Donald Trump said Tehran could not blackmail the United ​States by shutting the waterway.

Tehran said it was responding to a continued U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, calling it a violation of their ceasefire, while Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran’s navy ‌was ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on its enemies.

Shipping sources said at least two vessels reported coming under fire and being hit while trying to transit the waterway. India later said the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi had been summoned and that it had expressed deep concern to him that two Indian-flagged ships had come under fire in the strait.

State media in Iran quoted the Supreme National Security Council as saying Iranian control over the strait included demanding the payment of costs related to security, safety and environmental protection services.

State television also quoted ​the Supreme National Security Council as saying the U.S. had put forward new proposals after talks mediated by Pakistan in recent days. Tehran was considering them but had not yet responded, it said.

There was no ​immediate sign of direct U.S.-Iran talks taking place at the weekend, despite Trump saying on Friday that negotiations would take place.