TEHRAN, April 18 — Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing a continued United States blockade of its ports, as tensions in the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran intensify.
Read also: Hormuz Strait reopened for trade after ceasefire, says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi
Iran’s military said control of the vital oil transit route — through which nearly 20 percent of global crude passes — had “returned to its previous state”. Reports indicated Iranian gunboats fired at a merchant vessel attempting to cross, further escalating uncertainty in the region.
The move came just hours after the strait had briefly reopened following a US-mediated 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Despite that, shipping traffic remains disrupted, with several vessels turning back amid conflicting signals about safe passage.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps described the US blockade as “maritime theft”, warning that restrictions would continue until Iranian shipping regains full freedom of navigation.
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Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a possible deal but cautioned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. Iran, however, accused Washington of undermining diplomacy and said no new talks had been scheduled.
Analysts say uncertainty around the strait is deterring global shipping, raising concerns over energy supplies and regional stability as the situation remains volatile.
