Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy announced on Saturday, April 18, 2026, that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz after firing on ships attempting to pass, in retaliation for the United States maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports. The Guard declared that any vessel moving from anchorages in the Persian Gulf or Sea of Oman toward the strait would be treated as cooperating with the enemy and could be targeted. The closure, affecting a route that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil supplies, comes as the war enters its eighth week. India separately conveyed concern after two India-bound energy ships were blocked.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.