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Iran seals Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions
Tehran announced on Saturday it had closed the critical waterway to commercial traffic, warning any vessel attempting passage would be treated as hostile and targeted. The move follows reports of Iranian forces firing on ships near the strait earlier in the day.
IRGC blames US blockade for closure
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated the shutdown was a direct response to the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports. The IRGC Navy declared that no vessel should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or Sea of Oman, asserting that approaching the strait would be viewed as "cooperation with the enemy."
Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) accused the US of violating a two-week ceasefire set to expire on 22 April, claiming the blockade breached the truce terms. The council added that the strait would remain closed until the US lifts its restrictions.
US rejects Iranian claims, vows to maintain pressure
US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran's actions as an attempt at "blackmail," insisting the naval blockade would continue until a peace agreement is reached. The US reported turning away 23 ships since enforcing the blockade on 13 April.
Trump described negotiations with Tehran as "very good" and "working out very well" on Saturday, though the SNSC noted that new US proposals were still under review and had not yet received a response. Earlier peace talks this month ended without resolution.
Attacks on vessels reported amid closure
Multiple incidents involving Iranian forces targeting ships were reported on Saturday. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that two Iranian gunboats fired on a tanker in the strait, while a container ship off Oman's northeastern coast was struck by an "unknown projectile," damaging cargo containers.
Reuters cited sources stating that at least two merchant vessels were hit by gunfire while attempting to cross the strait. India's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to express "deep concern" after two Indian-flagged ships were involved in a shooting incident.
Global oil markets brace for disruption
The Strait of Hormuz, a 21-mile-wide chokepoint linking the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, typically handles about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. Since the conflict escalated on 28 February, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, traffic through the strait has plummeted.
MarineTraffic data showed some vessels managed to transit the strait during its brief reopening, while others were forced to reroute after the IRGC denied them access. The crisis has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel at times, though they have since stabilized near $74.
Iran has previously threatened to mine the strait and attack tankers, raising fears of further supply chain disruptions.
Ceasefire deadline looms as talks stall
The current ceasefire, brokered earlier this month, is set to expire on 22 April. With negotiations deadlocked and both sides accusing the other of violating terms, the risk of further military escalation remains high.
"Supplies have been disrupted, but the real concern is whether this blockade will trigger a broader conflict," said an energy analyst based in Dubai.
