Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again on Saturday, April 18, just hours after reopening the crucial waterway, according to its central command.
On Friday, April 17, Tehran had declared the vital route open following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon aimed at halting Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah.
The strait typically carries about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, and its reopening had triggered a drop in global oil prices.
After the reopening, President Donald Trump stated that the US naval blockade would remain in place “until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.”
With Washington maintaining pressure and insisting the blockade would continue until a deal is reached, Tehran warned it could shut the strait again.
As tensions escalated, Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again, reinforcing its stance against ongoing US restrictions and signalling tighter control over the strategic passage.
Later on Saturday morning, Iranian state television, citing the military’s central command, reported that control of the Strait of Hormuz had “returned to its previous status” and was now under strict armed forces management, blaming the ongoing US blockade.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia central headquarters accused the United States of carrying out “piracy” and “sea robbery” under the guise of a blockade.
The spokesperson added that unless the US lifts restrictions on vessels travelling to and from Iran, conditions in the strait would remain tightly controlled and unchanged.
Meanwhile, maritime tracking data showed several ships navigating the narrow passage, staying close to Iranian waters as directed, with some identifying as Indian or Chinese to signal neutrality.
Other vessels had earlier approached the strait on Friday but abruptly turned back due to uncertainty.
By 0900 GMT on Saturday, a number of ships had completed their passage in both directions, although at least two tankers heading east towards India from UAE ports appeared to reverse course mid-journey.
The developments come as the US and Iran continue talks in search of a lasting resolution, with a ceasefire still holding.
Only four days remain before the end of the two-week ceasefire in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which began on February 28.
Despite tensions, President Trump expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached soon.
Read also:
- Donald Trump directs US naval blockade of Strait of Hormuz
- Donald Trump says US forces will remain near Iran until a “real agreement” is secured
