Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S. Blockade

Ahmed Mohammed 18/04/2026
A small boat loaded with merchandise sails past the St Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in Oman's northern Musandam peninsula on June 25, 2025. Photo by Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images.
A small boat loaded with merchandise sails past the St Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in Oman's northern Musandam peninsula on June 25, 2025. Photo by Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images.

Iran’s central military command announced on Saturday that it will resume “strict management” of the Strait of Hormuz, reversing its earlier decision to ease restrictions as part of negotiations with Washington.

In a statement broadcast on state television, the command accused the United States of breaking its commitments by maintaining a naval blockade on ships bound to and from Iranian ports.

The announcement stressed that until Washington guarantees unrestricted passage for all vessels visiting Iran, the Strait of Hormuz will remain under firm Iranian control.

Ahmed Mohammed

18/04/2026