US EditionIran closes Strait of Hormuz again over continued US blockade of its ports, state media says
Iran said the waterway will stay restricted until the U.S. lifts its port blockade, after oil tankers turned back and prices fell.
- On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Iran's central military command announced it would resume "strict management" of the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a brief reopening and returning control to armed forces.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accused Washington of violating commitments to lift the maritime blockade, asserting the Strait would not remain open while US operations continue.
- At least two commercial vessels reported being fired upon by IRGC gunboats near the Strait on Saturday, while maritime tracking data confirmed several tankers reversed course to avoid restrictions.
- President Donald Trump insisted the American blockade would "remain in full force" until Tehran reaches a comprehensive deal, dismissing Iranian threats as blackmail attempts.
- Roughly 20% of the world's oil transits the Strait, heightening fears of energy disruptions as mediators work to arrange a second round of talks to prevent wider conflict.
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Iran shuts down Strait of Hormuz again, accusing US of ‘piracy’
The ceasefire between the US and Iran is in grave peril after Iran announced on Saturday that, in response to the continued US blockade, it would once again impose travel restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz after briefly reopening it on Friday. Iran has used the strait – through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes […] The post Iran shuts down Strait of Hormuz again, accusing US of ‘piracy’ appeared first on Asia Times.
Ceasefire Collapsing as Iran Shuts Down Strait of Hormuz Again, Accusing US of 'Piracy'
The ceasefire between the US and Iran is in grave peril after Iran announced on Saturday that, in response to the continued US blockade, it would once again impose travel restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz after briefly reopening it on Friday.
US President Donald Trump commented on the situation at the White House on Saturday.
Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz again because of US blockade
TEHRAN — Iran’s military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on Saturday, its military command said, hours after reopening it and with more than a dozen commercial ships passing through the vital waterway.The decision cast doubt on US President Donald Trump’s optimism the day before that a peace deal to end the US-Israeli war with Iran was “very close.”Tehran had on Friday declared the strait, which usually carries a fifth of the world’s …
Iran announced on Saturday 18 April the closure of the Strait of Ormuz, which it had just decreed the day before. After a Friday day dominated by optimistic statements, the ceasefire with the United States seems more precarious than ever.
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