QATAR April 18, 2026 – Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, just one day after briefly reopening it in response to a ceasefire in Lebanon.
In a statement issued Saturday by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) joint military command and broadcast by state media IRIB, the IRGC said it was reversing the decision because the United States continues to maintain a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
“The United States has committed acts of piracy and maritime theft by maintaining its naval blockade of Iranian ports,” the statement read. “For this reason, control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state… The strait will remain in its previous state as long as Washington does not commit to guaranteeing freedom of movement for ships to and from Iran.”
The development was first reported by Doha News and quickly circulated on social media.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a vital artery for global energy supplies. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas pass through the narrow waterway daily.
Iran had announced the temporary opening of the strait on April 17 as part of de-escalation measures tied to the Lebanon ceasefire. Friday’s move had briefly eased fears of prolonged disruption to global shipping routes following months of tensions.
This latest reversal comes amid fragile regional truces and ongoing disputes involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Analysts warn that renewed restrictions on the strait could trigger sharp volatility in global oil markets and shipping costs.
The situation remains fluid. Life News Agency is monitoring developments and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
About The Author
