The Iranian army has reinstated strict controls on passage by way of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of partaking in ‘piracy’ by sustaining a blockade on Iranian pos.
Transient Opening Amid Ceasefire
On Friday, Iranian authorities initially permitted industrial vessels to navigate the strategic waterway freely in the course of the remaining days of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This announcement triggered a decline in international oil costs as markets anticipated decreased tensions.
US President Donald Trump welcomed the event however emphasised that the blockade of Iranian pos would persist till a complete peace settlement materializes. The US has issued calls for to Iran, together with the switch of its enriched uranium stockpile.
Conflicting Claims on Negotiations
President Trump asseed that Iran has consented to all US necessities. Nevertheless, Iranian Overseas Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei countered that the nation won’t relinquish its uranium reserves, describing them as ‘as sacred as Iranian soil.’
Newest Army Assertion
In an replace on April 18, 2026, at 09:30 GMT, a spokesman for the Iranian army famous {that a} restricted variety of oil tankers and industrial vessels obtained managed passage by way of the strait. He accused the US of breaching the association by persevering with ‘piracy and maritime theft’ underneath the guise of a ‘siege.’
In consequence, management over the Strait of Hormuz has reveed to its prior restricted standing. The Iranian Armed Forces will preserve strict oversight till the US lifts the po blockade.
