Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps blames US actions; tensions escalate with United States
April 18, 2026: Iran has once again shut the Strait of Hormuz, reversing its brief reopening for limited non-military traffic just hours earlier, in a move that sharply escalates tensions with the United States. The decision was announced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which accused Washington of failing to honour commitments related to easing restrictions on Iranian maritime activity.
In a statement aired on state media, the IRGC alleged that the US continued “acts of piracy and maritime theft” under the pretext of enforcing a blockade. It said the earlier reopening of the strait was conditional and dependent on compliance from Washington, which it claims did not materialise. Iran’s central military command has now ordered “strict management” of the waterway, effectively ending the temporary easing.
The renewed closure has raised global concerns, as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical routes for oil shipments. Iranian officials indicated that restrictions would remain until full freedom of navigation for vessels linked to Iran is restored. The development has heightened fears of disruptions to global energy supply chains and further instability in West Asia.