Iran parliament speaker says Strait of Hormuz will close again

Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf, speaker of Iran’s Parliament, said Friday that Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz again amid a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, according to Iranian state media.

Qalibaf’s statement came as tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated over measures affecting Iranian shipping, the state media report said.

President Donald Trump earlier in the day said the strait was “open for business” while delivering a speech in Arizona, a remark that appeared to conflict with Qalibaf’s announcement.

Both men spoke Friday as the standoff over maritime access and sanctions remained unresolved, according to their respective statements.

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