Iran says it has reestablished control over the Strait of Hormuz

Iran has announced the partial reopening of its airspace, closed for seven weeks following the Israeli-American bombings that began on February 28, allowing international flights to transit through the eastern part of the country starting at 7:00 AM local time on Saturday. The Iranian Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that operations will be restored gradually and that the decision came after a security assessment conducted by a civil-military coordination committee. The full resumption of operations remains contingent on the technical and operational readiness of the civil and military sectors managing the airports. The reopening comes as a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US-Israel coalition, which took effect on April 8, approaches its expiration date next Wednesday after 39 consecutive days of bombings. The move coincides with escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which approximately 20 percent of the world's oil passes. Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohamad Baqer Qalibaf warned that the strait will not remain open if the United States maintains its naval blockade against Iranian ports, stating that maritime transit will require authorization from Tehran and will follow routes designated by Iran. The warning directly contradicts recent statements from US President Donald Trump, who claimed the strait is completely open for commerce and even suggested possible collaboration with Iran to extract enriched uranium. Qalibaf accused Trump of making seven false statements in one hour and led Iran's delegation in negotiations with the US in Islamabad last Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had announced the opening of passage for all commercial vessels, but Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bagaei later clarified that ships must use routes determined by Iran and coordinate with Iranian authorities. Bagaei also alleged that the US naval blockade violates the ceasefire terms and warned that Tehran will adopt necessary measures in response if the situation does not change before the ceasefire expires.