Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Iran swiftly reversed course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on the critical waterway on Saturday (April 18, 2026) after the U.S. said the move would not end its blockade.
The country’s joint military command said on Saturday (April 18) that it “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state — under strict management and control of the armed forces.” It warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect.
Published – April 18, 2026 02:30 pm IST