IranYīlǎng伊朗again / once morechóngxīn重新to close / to shutguānbì关闭the Strait of HormuzHuòěrmùzī hǎixiá霍尔木兹海峡，gunboatpàotǐng炮艇toward / atxiàng向merchant vessel / cargo shipshāngchuán商船to open fire / to fire onkāihuǒ开火。
April 18, 2026 at 10:00 PM
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BusinessIran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again and Gunboats Fire on Merchant Ships
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again on April 18 citing the US refusal to lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iranian gunboats fired on merchant vessels attempting to cross, sending oil prices sharply higher.
Iran announced on April 17th that it would completely open the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire period. However, one day later it announced closure once again. Iran stated that the U.S. refusal to lift naval blockades against Iranian ports was the main reason for the closure. Iranian military gunboats fired upon merchant ships attempting to cross the strait, including two Indian-flagged vessels, forcing them to turn back. According to reports, an oil tanker named Sanmar Herald received transit permission but still came under fire from Iranian gunboats. The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important energy transport channel, with approximately 20% of international oil trade passing through here. Following news of the strait's closure, international oil prices rapidly and significantly rebounded.
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