Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Following U.S. Refusal to Lift Naval Blockade
Following a brief reopening linked to a ceasefire in Lebanon, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again on April 18, 2026. The closure followed statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that the U.S. naval blockade of all Iranian ports—initiated April 13 amid the ongoing 'Operation Epic Fury'—would remain in effect until a final peace deal is reached. Later in the day, Iranian gunboats reportedly fired on a commercial tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
Date: April 18, 2026
Location: Strait of Hormuz, Iran
Conflict: US-Iran Conflict
Category: naval
Severity: CRITICAL
Source: AFP / BBC News [8]