April 18, 2026
Iran has once again announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the United States amid an ongoing standoff over sanctions and maritime control.
According to a statement broadcast by Iran’s state media IRIB, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the move comes in response to the continued US blockade of Iranian ports. The IRGC’s joint military command declared that the situation in the strait has been returned to its “previous state,” placing it under strict military supervision.
The statement accused Washington of engaging in “piracy and maritime theft” under the pretext of enforcing sanctions, signaling a further deterioration in already strained relations between the two countries.
Iranian authorities indicated that the duration of the restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz would depend on the behavior of the United States. The waterway, one of the world’s most critical النفط transit chokepoints, is responsible for a significant portion of global oil shipments.
The renewed closure has already disrupted regional shipping, with multiple vessels reportedly forced to alter routes or turn back, raising concerns over global energy supply and market stability.
The latest development comes amid a broader escalation in the Middle East, including increased military deployments and stalled diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. Analysts warn that continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences for global trade and oil prices.
