Strait of Hormuz Closed Again, Iran: Trump Talks Too Much

Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. Iran’s decision is reportedly in response to US President Donald Trump’s insistence on maintaining a naval blockade at Iranian ports.

The IRGC Navy command affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous “restricted” status.

“As long as the movement of ships to and from Iran remains threatened, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain as before,” stated the navy command in a post on X, which was then shared by Iranian media, quoted from Al Jazeera on Saturday (18/4/2026).

“Any violation of commitments by the United States will receive an appropriate response,” it added.

Separately, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh spoke to the press on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkey. He was asked for his response to Trump’s statement that the US would resume bombing Iran if no agreement is reached next week.

Khatibzadeh described Trump as “talking too much.”

“He [Trump] says contradictory things in the same statement,” said the Iranian official. “I don’t know exactly what he means,” he added.

Khatibzadeh stated that Iran believes war cannot produce any positive results. However, it is prepared to continue defending itself if attacked.

“We will fight to the last Iranian soldier,” he said.