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Iran Re‑closes Hormuz Strait Amid US Sanctions, Threatening Global Oil Flows
Iran's military command announced that, after briefly reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, it has now reinstated strict control over the waterway in response to continued U.S. sanctions. The move follows Washington's failure to honor previous assurances that limited tanker traffic could pass, raising fresh concerns about global oil supply and market volatility.
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Key Developments
April 18, 2026 – Iran's armed forces announced today that it has reinstated full control over the Strait of Hormuz after a brief period during which it allowed limited commercial vessel passage. The decision follows Washington's continued enforcement of a de facto blockade on Iranian ports, which Tehran claims violates prior understandings.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Khatam Al-Anbiya statement warns that any attempts by foreign powers to challenge this control will be met with a firm and decisive response.
Although Tehran previously permitted a small number of tankers to transit, the United States has allegedly engaged in piracy‑style interdiction under the pretext of a blockade, prompting Tehran to revert to its previous security posture.
Analysts note that this development could tighten global oil supply and likely push prices higher in the short to medium term, especially amid already heightened tensions in the Middle East.