Iran Re-closes Strait of Hormuz Following US Naval Blockade
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026, retracting a previous reopening statement. Iran stated the waterway would remain blocked until the U.S. lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Concurrently, IRGC gunboats reportedly fired upon an Indian-flagged tanker, the Sanmar Herald, 20 nautical miles off Oman. India has summoned the Iranian envoy to express deep concern over the maritime aggression.
Date: April 18, 2026
Location: Iran
Conflict: US-Iran Conflict
Category: naval
Severity: CRITICAL
Source: The Guardian