Strait of Hormuz Closed Again: Iran-US Tensions Heat Up, What Are the Impacts?

Iran has announced the reimposition of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, less than a day after the route was temporarily opened for shipping traffic. Quoting CNBC on Sunday (19/4/2026), US President Donald Trump emphasised that Tehran cannot “extort” the US by closing the strategic route. Iran has also warned that no vessels are permitted to move from anchorages in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Any ship approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered to be cooperating with the enemy and could become a target. The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported that two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fast boats fired shots at a tanker transiting the area. Shipping sources also mentioned at least two other vessels experiencing similar incidents while attempting to pass through the route. In Mumbai, the Indian government summoned Iran’s ambassador after an Indian-flagged vessel carrying crude oil was attacked while crossing the strait. The closure follows Iran’s previous statement on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was open to commercial ships during a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Iran accuses the US of continuing a blockade on Iranian ports. “Iran has approved a number of vessels to pass in accordance with the agreement, but the United States has not fulfilled its obligations. Therefore, the Strait of Hormuz is closed again and all shipping must obtain Iranian approval,” stated Iran’s government media. Spokesperson for the Revolutionary Guards, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari, affirmed that control over the Strait of Hormuz is now back under strict Iranian military supervision.