BLACK mobile logo

united states

Strait of Hormuz closed again, Iran says, as ships attacked

April 18, 2026

Iran has announced it is re-closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping just one day after briefly reopening the critical waterway, threatening to target any vessels that approach. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attributes this decision to an ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which began on April 13 and has turned away 23 ships, despite a two-week ceasefire currently in effect. Multiple vessels, including tankers and container ships flying various flags, have reportedly come under fire from Iranian forces attempting to transit the strait on Saturday.

Who is affected

  • Commercial shipping vessels and their crews attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz
  • Iranian ports and shipping interests subject to US blockade
  • Oil-producing states in the Gulf region that rely on the strait for exports
  • Two Indian-flagged ships and their crews involved in shooting incidents
  • A UK-monitored tanker fired upon by Iranian gunboats
  • A container ship hit by projectile off Oman's coast
  • At least two merchant vessels hit by gunfire
  • Global energy consumers facing soaring oil and natural gas prices
  • Countries dependent on oil and LNG shipments through the strait

What action is being taken

  • The IRGC is blocking the Strait of Hormuz and threatening to target vessels that approach
  • The US is enforcing a naval blockade of Iranian ports (has turned away 23 ships since April 13)
  • Iranian forces are firing on vessels attempting to transit the strait
  • India has summoned the Iranian ambassador to express concern about the shooting incidents
  • The US and Iran are engaged in peace negotiations (Tehran is reviewing new US proposals)
  • A two-week ceasefire is currently in effect

Why it matters

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes, making it essential to global energy supplies. The closure and associated attacks on commercial vessels have caused oil prices to surge above $100 per barrel, impacting energy costs worldwide. The strait represents the only sea route to reach several oil-producing states, and the ongoing conflict that began on February 28 has dramatically reduced shipping traffic through this narrow passage. The escalating tensions between Iran and the US, including active military confrontations despite a ceasefire, threaten broader regional stability and the global economy.

What's next

  • The two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is due to expire on April 22
  • Iran is currently reviewing new US proposals for peace negotiations (has not yet responded)
  • The US naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue until a peace deal is agreed between the two countries

Read full article from source: BBC

Strait of Hormuz closed again, Iran says, as ships attacked