Iran Re-Imposes Strait of Hormuz Closure and Fires on Tankers as U.S. Blockade Persists

Iran reverses the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, citing the ongoing U.S. blockade. At least one tanker was fired on as global shipping giants order u-turns.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 9:36 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Axios & The Times of Israel

Abrupt Reversal Following Short-Lived Ceasefire Opening

The Iranian military command announced on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz has "returned to its previous state" of strict military management, effectively closing the world’s most vital energy artery for the second time in two days. The reversal comes after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. President Donald Trump had separately declared the waterway open on Friday. The sudden shift followed clarified statements from the White House that the American naval blockade on Iranian ports would remain in "full force and effect" until a final peace deal is signed, a condition Tehran maintains violates the spirit of the current 10 day ceasefire.

IRGC Gunboats Target Commercial Tanker Near Oman

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a kinetic escalation on Saturday afternoon when two IRGC gunboats approached and fired upon a commercial tanker 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The vessel, identified by maritime tracking data as the Indian flagged VLCC Sanmar Herald, reportedly came under fire after attempting to transit the strait following Friday’s reopening announcement. Radio recordings from the scene captured the crew’s distress, with the master questioning why they were being fired upon after being granted prior clearance. The UKMTO confirmed the tanker and its crew are safe, though the vessel has since retreated from the passage.

Blockade Dynamics and the Islamabad Negotiations

The diplomatic breakdown centers on a fundamental disagreement over the scope of the maritime truce. Iran accused the United States of "banditry and piracy" for continuing to intercept ships traveling to and from Iranian ports, even as commercial traffic for other nations was supposedly permitted to resume. President Trump, speaking at an event in Phoenix, reiterated that the U.S. blockade is a leverage tool that will only end once a comprehensive agreement is reached regarding Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Both sides are scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Monday for high stakes talks, though the renewed hostilities have cast doubt on a successful outcome.