Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing ongoing restrictions on Iranian ports by the United States.
Iran opens Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping during ceasefire
In a statement broadcast by state media, the IRGC said control of the strategic waterway has “returned to its previous state,” placing the strait under strict military management.
The move follows escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, with Iranian authorities accusing the United States of continuing what they described as “acts of piracy and maritime theft under the pretext of a so-called blockade.”
“For this reason, control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, and this strategic waterway is now under strict management and control by the armed forces,” the IRGC said in its statement.
The military command added that the situation will remain unchanged until restrictions affecting Iranian shipping are lifted.
“Until the United States restores full freedom of navigation for vessels traveling from Iran to their destinations and vice versa, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain under strict control and in its previous condition,” the statement said.
🚨 BREAKING
Iran’s Central Military HQ:
Iran agreed to allow a limited number of ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz according to agreements.#But U.S. did not fulfill their obligations.
🚨 So, the Strait of Hormuz is now #closed again and passage requires IRAN approval.— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) April 18, 2026
The renewed closure is expected to heighten concerns among shipping operators and energy markets, following earlier developments that had briefly allowed commercial transit through the strait.
