The Strait of Hormuz is back under Iran's strict control due to repeated breaches of commitments by the U.S., said a spokesman for Iran's Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters on Saturday.
Iran had agreed to allow a limited number of oil tankers and commercial vessels to pass through the strategic waterway in a managed manner. However, the United States has repeatedly breached its commitments, continuing acts of "piracy" and "sea robbery" under the pretext of a blockade, said the statement.
As a result, control over the Strait of Hormuz has been returned to its previous state, and this strategic waterway is under strict management and control by the Armed Forces, according to the statement.
The spokesperson further stated that as long as the United States does not stop interfering with the free passage of vessels traveling from or to Iran, the Strait of Hormuz will remain under strict control and maintain its previous state.
The latest move came after a brief reopening of the Strait based on prior arrangements between Iran and the United States.
Both Washington and Tehran confirmed on Friday that the strait had been completely open for all commercial vessels. However, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the U.S. naval blockade would "remain in full force." In response, Iran warned of closing the waterway again if the U.S. blockade continues.
Middle East expert Wang Jin from China's Northwest University believes the shifting situation at the Strait stems from the preconditions set by both sides, which undermine confidence in passage.
"Iran has imposed its own rules for passage through the Strait, requiring vessels to notify the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and navigate only through designated waterways. Meanwhile, the United States has set up an interception and blockade outside the Strait, prohibiting vessels from engaging in direct trade or contact with Iran or participating in Iran's foreign trade. Both sides have added preconditions to passage through the Strait, which in effect undermines confidence in the normal flow of traffic through this vital waterway,” said Wang.
Iran says Hormuz Strait back under control due to US repeated breaches of commitments
Officials and exhibitors from Canada on Monday hailed the important role of the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in promoting international trade, saying it serves as a great platform for Canadian authorities and businesses to better understand Chinese consumers and market trends.
Canada is the Guest Country of Honor at the CICPE 2026, or the six CICPE.
The event, held in Haikou City of south China's tropical island province of Hainan from April 13-18, served as a key gateway for around 40 Canadian companies to access China's vast consumer market, with exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of products from premium cosmetics and health products to agriculture and pet food.
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of western Canada's Alberta province, said the expo helped him to understand the current market trends.
"It's really important for me to see what the market trends are here and to be able to maximize on those market trends. We're here to be able to have those conversations and see how we can be a better trading partner, and how we're going to be able to flow our high quality agricultural commodities into this country," said the minister.
Ji Hualei, a Canadian exhibitor who is launching a new wearable device at the expo, expressed his confidence in China's market potential.
"We have observed a clear shift of Chinese consumers' focus from one specific function of products to healthiness and sustainability. The CICPE provides an excellent platform for showcasing and launching our new products, and I think Hainan's zero-tariff policy will also offering us great resources," said the exhibitor.
Attending an event at the Canada Pavilion, Canada's Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu said more efforts will be made to boost trade and exchanges between his country and China.
"Very important for us to be at the show. As the Chinese consumer market grows, we're exploring more options to get more flights between China and Canada to build more people to people ties, and more tourism between the two countries," said Sidhu.
This year's CICPE is the first national-level consumer expo since the launch of island-wide special customs operation in the Hainan Free Trade Port in December 2025, drawing participation of more than 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions.
Since its launch in 2021, the expo has become an important platform for multinationals to stay abreast of consumer trends in China's vast market, with over 3,800 enterprises and more than 12,000 brands from 92 countries and regions participating over the past five editions.
Canadian officials, exhibitors hail role of Hainan consumer products expo in trade promotion
