Escalation in Strait of Hormuz: Iran Targets Ships as Closure Threatened

Sun Apr 19 2026 02:38:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a dramatic move, Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any approaching vessels will be targeted amid rising tensions following vessel attacks in the area.

Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again for commercial shipping, fearing retaliation against its ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel. This escalation follows attacks on several vessels in the area by Iranian forces. President Trump dismisses Iran's threats, asserting that the U.S. will not be intimidated while tensions over naval blockades and ceasefire agreements continue to unravel.

Iran says it is closing the Strait of Hormuz again to commercial vessels and that any ship that approaches it will be targeted.

The closure came as reports emerged of vessels in or near the strait, including a tanker, being targeted by Tehran on Saturday.

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) blamed a continuing US blockade for its decision, which came a day after Iran's foreign minister announced the key global shipping channel had been temporarily reopened.

US President Donald Trump stated Iran cannot blackmail the US with threats regarding the waterway, which Tehran has effectively blocked for nearly two months - causing global energy prices to soar.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned in a statement on Saturday that no vessel is to move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman.

It said a number of vessels had passed through the strait under its management since Friday night but would shut again until the US stopped its blockade of Iranian ports.

Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted, the IRGC added.

Trump said on Friday that a naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a peace deal was agreed between the two countries. A two-week ceasefire currently in effect is due to expire on 22 April.

The US reported it had turned away 23 ships since enforcing the blockade on 13 April.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council stated this was a violation of the ceasefire agreement and would halt any reopening of the strait while it was in place.

Negotiations to end the war revealed new proposals from the US, which Tehran is reviewing. Earlier peace talks ended without agreement.

About 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) typically transit through the strait, although traffic has dramatically decreased due to the recent conflict, which began after the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February. The surge in tensions has led to oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel at times.

Iran previously threatened missile strikes on tankers while warning it had laid mines in the strait. In an alarming series of reported incidents, two Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker, while another container ship was struck by an unknown projectile. Additionally, at least two merchant vessels reported gunfire attempts during their transit.

India's foreign ministry has summoned the Iranian ambassador to express deep concern over the shooting incidents involving two Indian-flagged ships.

As tensions continue, the IRGC warns against maritime cooperation with the enemy, indicating an intensifying of hostilities and a precarious future for shipping in the region.