Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again, Fires on Ships Over US Blockade
On Saturday, April 18th, Iran reversed its decision to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route just hours after announcing the waterway would be open to commercial traffic. The move came in direct response to President Trump's decision to maintain a US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired on at least two merchant vessels during the closure, damaging containers on one ship with no reported injuries. The strategic waterway, through which roughly 20 percent of the world's oil normally transits, had been partially closed by Iran since late February following US and Israeli strikes. Both sides blame the other for ceasefire violations. US officials report 23 ships have turned back since the blockade began. Negotiations continue but remain deadlocked over Iran's nuclear program and control of the strait. The closure threatens global energy markets and a fragile ceasefire that expires Wednesday.
Key facts
- Strait of Hormuz closure announced April 18, 2026, after Iran briefly reopened it April 17.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired on at least 2-3 merchant vessels; one damaged, no injuries reported.
- Strait normally handles approximately 20 percent of world's global seaborne oil trade.
- US maintains separate naval blockade of Iranian ports since April 13; 23 ships have turned back.
- Core negotiation stalemate: Iran demands US lift blockade; US demands nuclear concessions and strait access.
- War began February 28, 2026; 10-day ceasefire agreement expires April 23, 2026.
- Two Indian-flagged merchant ships reportedly fired upon; India summoned Iranian ambassador in protest.
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets like Al Jazeera and PBS highlight Iran's legitimate grievances about the US blockade violating ceasefire terms and threatening the global economy. They emphasize Trump's escalatory rhetoric threatening to bomb Iran's infrastructure and the disproportionate harm to shipping and developing nations relying on the strait. These sources note international concern from countries like Canada and France about the disruption to trade.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning outlets like Fox News quote Trump's criticism that Iran is trying to blackmail the US and cannot be trusted to uphold agreements. They characterize Iran's actions as predictable deception and note that Iran continues enriching uranium, presenting the US blockade as a necessary pressure tactic to force a favorable deal.
Limits of this briefing
Casualty figures and exact number of ships fired upon vary slightly between US, UK Maritime, and Iranian sources. Control of sea mines in the strait is disputed—Trump claims removal is underway while Iran suggests the US is violating ceasefire by clearing them. Limited independent verification of Iranian state claims about firing incidents.
Sources
- Al Jazeera: Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again over US blockade of its ports Left
- PBS News: Iran closes Strait of Hormuz over U.S. blockade and fires on ships Centre
- Axios: Iran closes Strait of Hormuz once again, fires on tankers Centre
- NPR: Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again, as ceasefire nears its end Centre
- Fox News: Iran reverses course on reopening Strait of Hormuz, signals warning to US Right