TEHRAN — Iran reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz and its forces fired on ships attempting to transit the waterway on Saturday, April 18, 2026, according to Iranian military statements and maritime security reports.
Iran’s joint military command and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy announced that control of the strait had “returned to its previous state” under strict management by the armed forces. The move reversed a brief reopening announced the previous day and came in response to the continued U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, Iranian officials said.
The IRGC navy declared the strait closed until the U.S. lifts its blockade, warning that no vessel should approach and that any movement would be considered cooperation with the enemy and subject to targeting. Hours earlier, Iranian gunboats fired on at least one tanker and a second vessel reported being hit by a projectile while trying to pass through the strait, according to advisories from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and shipping industry reports.
The UKMTO said the tanker and its crew were reported safe. Details on damage to the vessels, their flags or cargoes, and any casualties remained unclear as of early Sunday. India’s government summoned Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi over a shooting incident involving two Indian-flagged ships, according to reports.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, carries about one-fifth of globally traded oil. Shipping traffic had dropped sharply in recent weeks amid the broader regional conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran before a temporary ceasefire took effect in parts of the area.
On Friday, April 17, Iran’s foreign minister stated that passage through the strait was “completely open” during the ceasefire period. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the announcement on social media. However, Trump also affirmed that the American blockade on vessels linked to Iranian ports would remain in force until a broader deal is reached, including on Iran’s nuclear program.
Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had warned earlier that the strait would not remain open if the U.S. blockade continued. The IRGC navy said on Saturday that restrictions were reimposed because of “repeated breaches of trust” by the United States.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not immediately confirm or deny details of the firing incidents when contacted by reporters. The Pentagon has previously described its actions as defensive measures to protect freedom of navigation in international waters.
As of Sunday morning, vessel tracking data showed tankers and other commercial ships turning away from the strait or remaining at anchor. No independent verification was immediately available for the full extent of the closure or ongoing incidents.
The latest developments follow weeks of tension in which Iran had earlier declared restrictions on the strait in response to U.S. and Israeli military operations in the region. Both sides have accused the other of undermining ceasefire efforts.
Iran’s military said the strait would stay under its control until the U.S. ends the port blockade. No immediate comment was available from the White House on the reclosure.
