On Friday afternoon, out of nowhere, Iran’s foreign minister announced that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open” to commercial vessels.
Just hours later, however, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reminded Abbas Araghchi and the world who was really in charge. In an apparent rebuke, it said it retained “strict management and control” over the waterway and shot at ships attempting to cross.
Two days later, the foreign minister was still under attack by hardliners in Tehran. Newspapers demanded that Mr Araghchi reverse his decision. State television criticised him for tweeting policy rather than explaining to Iranians. Some officials and moderate outlets defended the opening with conflicting explanations.
