Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz again after briefly reopening it, citing the continuation of a US blockade on its ports, German broadcaster DW reported, citing statements carried by Iranian media. The strategic waterway, which handles around one-fifth of global crude oil and petroleum shipments, had reopened on Friday following disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. According to Reuters, Iranian officials said on Friday that the Strait was open to all commercial traffic during a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, triggering a drop in oil and other commodity prices and lifting stock ​markets.

A group of oil tankers moved through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, marking the first significant transit in the key shipping route since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran seven weeks ago. According to MarineTraffic data, four liquefied petroleum gas carriers, along with several oil product and chemical tankers, passed through Iranian waters south of Larak Island, with additional vessels approaching from the Gulf. Earlier on Friday evening, a group of ships made an unsuccessful attempt to exit the Gulf, ship tracking data showed, as shipping companies cautiously welcomed Iran’s announcement.

Around 20 vessels began sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz on Friday evening but soon halted, with some ​turning back, MarineTraffic data showed. It was the largest group of vessels to attempt the transit since Iran ⁠effectively closed the strait in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes that began on February 28. It was not immediately clear why the ​ships stopped.

The group included three container ships operated by French shipping group CMA CGM, which declined to comment. As of 2100 GMT, most vessels ​in the group had turned back, but tracking data showed several new ships, mainly tankers, heading towards the strait. All commercial ships, including U.S.-flagged vessels, can pass through ​the strait, but transit plans must be coordinated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

Iran’s airspace opens partially Separately, Iran announced a partial reopening of its airspace, allowing international transit flights through the eastern corridor of the country. The Civil Aviation Authority said selected air routes are now operational, while some airports resumed services early Saturday morning, according to local media reports. However, flight tracking data showed limited to no activity over Iranian airspace hours after the announced reopening. The developments come amid continued tensions affecting global energy supply routes and aviation operations in the region.