Iran Claims Control of Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions with US
Apr 18, 2026
Iran has announced that it has once again effectively taken control of the Strait of Hormuz, citing a response to what it describes as a United States naval blockade on Iranian shipping and ports.
In a statement released today, Iran’s joint military command said the strategic waterway is now under strict management by its armed forces. It warned that transit through the strait would continue to be restricted as long as the US blockade remains in place.
Meanwhile, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces are enforcing measures against Iranian maritime activity, stating that at least 23 vessels have complied with orders to turn back from Iranian ports.
In a separate incident, the British military reported that two Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired at a tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel and its crew were not harmed, though further details about the ship were not disclosed.
