Iran Shuts Hormuz Again; Gunboats Open Fire on Tanker

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday night, April 18, 2026, reversed its one-day-old reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the waterway closed again until the United States lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Hours after the announcement, IRGC gunboats opened fire on a tanker near the strait, and an unknown projectile struck a container vessel, damaging containers. No injuries were reported. India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran's ambassador to protest a "shooting incident" involving two India-flagged merchant ships. The reversal lands days before the April 22 ceasefire deadline in the 2026 Iran war.

A Closure Reimposed

The IRGC said the strait "is closed until the U.S. blockade is lifted" and warned that "no vessel should make any movement from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered as cooperation with the enemy" and would be targeted. The Revolutionary Guard characterized US actions as "acts of piracy and maritime theft" and said the strait would remain "tightly controlled" until Washington restored full navigation freedom for Iranian vessels.

At least eight tankers had crossed the strait during its brief reopening; many subsequently turned back. UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the tanker attack near the strait.

India Summons Iran's Ambassador

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri "conveyed India's deep concern" and urged Iran to "resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait." Approximately 20% of global crude oil and natural gas typically flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump on Blockade and Bombs

Speaking to reporters, President Donald Trump said: "I don't know. Maybe I won't extend it, but the blockade is going to remain. But maybe I won't extend it, so you'll have a blockade and unfortunately we'll have to start dropping bombs again." With the April 22 ceasefire deadline approaching, mediators are working to extend it another two weeks.