Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command announced on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz has been placed <“under strict management and control” by its armed forces>. Tehran stated that these measures would persist unless Washington ensures <“full freedom of navigation for vessels travelling from Iran to destinations and from destinations to Iran”>.
This declaration occurs days before a temporary ceasefire in escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran is slated to expire. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Khatibzadeh articulated that the US <“cannot impose their will to do a siege over Iran”> while Iran aims to facilitate safe passage. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) navy command echoed this sentiment via X, stating that the strait’s status would remain unchanged <“as long as the movement of vessels from Iran and to Iran is under threat”>.
This development follows remarks by US President Donald Trump, who indicated that the <“US blockade”> would <“remain in full force”> until a permanent peace agreement with Tehran is achieved. President Trump also suggested the temporary ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan and expiring Wednesday, might not be extended. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global waterway, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transits.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/18/iran-closes-strait-of-hormuz-again-until-us-lifts-blockade
