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.
Iran'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.
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The announcement came the morning after U.S. President Donald Trump said the American blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the U.S., including on its nuclear programme.
The conflict over the chokepoint threatened to deepen the energy crisis roiling the global economy after oil prices began to fall again on Friday (April 17) on hopes the U.S. and Iran were drawing closer to an agreement. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the strait, and further limits would squeeze already constrained supply, driving prices higher once again.
