Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz Again Over U.S. Blockade

Iran has reimposed control over the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, accompanied by direct fire on vessels after brief reopening, as Iranian officials simultaneously escalated rhetoric toward Washington.

Iran’s joint military command said “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces.”

The statement followed active engagements at sea. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said Revolutionary Guard gunboats opened fire on a tanker, while an “unknown projectile” struck a container vessel, damaging cargo.

Tanker Trackers said two Indian-flagged vessels, including a supertanker carrying Iraqi oil, were forced to turn back. The escalation followed a short reopening linked to a 10-day ceasefire, compressing operational access to less than 24 hours.

The strait, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes, had been closed after the war began on Feb. 28. The closure trapped hundreds of vessels and raised shipping costs.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said it would prevent “any conditional and limited reopening” while the U.S. blockade remains in place.

U.S. Central Command said 23 ships had been turned back since the blockade began on Monday. President Donald Trump said the blockade “will remain in full force,” reinforcing economic restriction and maritime denial.

Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said naval forces are “ready to inflict bitter defeats on its enemies.”

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said “Americans are risking the international community, risking the global economy,” and warned Washington for “risking the whole ceasefire package.”

He also expressed frustration with how the U.S. president was communicating. He said “Trump talks too much,” makes contradictory statements, and is difficult to understand.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said efforts were underway to “bridge” differences, with a second round of talks expected early next week. Iranian officials confirmed “new proposals” from the United States are under review but rejected direct engagement under current conditions.

Iran also dismissed proposals to transfer its stock of 970 pounds 440 kilograms of enriched uranium as “a nonstarter.”

The conflict, now in its eighth week since Feb. 28, has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,290 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and more than a dozen in Gulf states, alongside 13 U.S. service members.