The Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes — was closed again on Saturday after a brief reopening, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired on tankers and turned back vessels. Tehran framed the move as a direct response to what it called a US violation of the ceasefire through a continuing naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran draws its line
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the country’s top security body, issued a statement Saturday declaring Tehran “determined to enforce monitoring and control over transit through the Strait of Hormuz until the definitive end of the war and the establishment of lasting peace in the region.” The council said vessels seeking to pass would be required to provide full vessel information, obtain transit certificates, and pay service fees.
In a separate statement, the council accused the United States of breaching the ceasefire by maintaining its naval blockade of Iranian ports, which began on April 13. US Central Command confirmed it had forced 23 ships to turn around near the strait since the blockade was established.
“As long as the enemy intends to disrupt the passage of vessels and apply its naval blockade, Iran will view that as a violation of the ceasefire and prevent the conditional and limited reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.”
— Iran’s Supreme National Security Council
Attacks on shipping
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported multiple incidents throughout Saturday morning. A tanker operating 20 nautical miles north-east of Oman reported coming under fire from two IRGC gunboats — the crew were confirmed safe. Shortly after, a container ship in the same region reported being struck by an unknown projectile, with damage reported to several containers.
BBC Verify tracking data from MarineTraffic confirmed that at least two Indian-flagged vessels — a cargo ship and a fully loaded oil tanker — were ordered to reverse course after IRGC officials denied them access near Larak Island. The oil tanker was navigating at a draught indicating a full cargo, likely sourced from Iraq.
Trump responds
Speaking at the Oval Office while signing executive orders, US President Donald Trump said Iran was acting “a little cute as they have for 47 years” and acknowledged that Iranian leaders want the strait closed — but said Washington would not allow Tehran to “blackmail us.” He added that “very good conversations” with Iran were ongoing, and that the US was taking a tough stand.
Iran’s security council confirmed that new proposals had been put forward by Washington, which Tehran said it was “currently reviewing and has not yet responded to.”
French peacekeeper killed in Lebanon
In a separate but related development, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Saturday that a French soldier serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon was killed in the south of the country, with three others wounded. Macron said available information pointed to Hezbollah as responsible and demanded Lebanese authorities make immediate arrests. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack and said he had ordered an immediate investigation.
How it unfolded
- April 13, 2026US establishes a naval blockade of Iranian ports. CentCom later confirms 23 ships turned back since this date.
- April 18 — morningIran reopens the Strait of Hormuz. Some tankers begin crossing. Tracking data from MarineTraffic confirms movement.
- April 18 — 11:55A tanker reports coming under fire from two IRGC gunboats 20 nautical miles north-east of Oman. Crew reported safe.
- April 18 — 12:18Merchant vessels receive a radio message from the Iranian Navy declaring the strait closed. No ships permitted to pass.
- April 18 — 13:57A container ship is struck by an unknown projectile near Oman, damaging several containers. Authorities investigate.
- April 18 — 14:48Iran's Supreme National Security Council declares Tehran determined to control Hormuz transit until the war ends.
- April 18 — 15:01Trump says Iran wants to close the strait but the US will not allow Tehran to blackmail Washington.