IRGC Closes Strait of Hormuz Following U.S. Ship Seizure
In response to the U.S. seizure of an Iranian vessel, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially closed the Strait of Hormuz on April 19, 2026. Maritime intelligence reports indicate that transit activity dropped to a record low of three vessels. During the closure, IRGC forces fired on the Indian-flagged tanker JAG ARNAV and issued direct threats to the cruise ship MEIN SCHIFF 4. The blockade has caused global oil prices to spike by nearly 8%.