New Delhi | Dubai | Washington – The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has become tense again. On April 18, 2026, Iran said it is closing the strait once more. This move came after a short period when the waterway was declared open. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the strait is now under strict control. They took this step because the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is very important for world trade because nearly 20 percent of the global oil supply passes through it every day. Many countries, including India, depend on this route for their oil imports from the Gulf region.
Iran’s decision to re-close the strait followed reports that the US would not lift its blockade. Iranian officials called the US action “acts of piracy and maritime theft.” They said the strait will stay closed until the blockade ends. The IRGC navy warned that any ship trying to move without permission could be targeted.
Firing on Ships in the Strait
Soon after the announcement, reports came in that IRGC gunboats opened fire on commercial vessels trying to pass through the strait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a tanker was approached by two IRGC gunboats without any radio warning. The gunboats then fired on the tanker about 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The crew and ship remained safe, but the incident caused concern.
Two Indian-flagged vessels were among those affected. The oil tanker Sanmar Herald and the bulk carrier Jag Arnav came under fire. The Sanmar Herald is a large crude oil carrier. A radio message from the ship was heard where the crew said they had received clearance earlier but were now being fired upon. They asked to turn back safely. No serious damage or injuries were reported on the Indian ships.
Marine tracking data showed that at least eight India-bound ships turned back after the incidents. Some other vessels also changed course or waited in safer areas. The Indian government has been in touch with Iranian authorities and is monitoring the safety of Indian crew members and ships in the region. India summoned the Iranian envoy to convey its concerns.
Background of the Current Crisis
This is not the first time the strait has faced problems in 2026. Earlier, Iran had restricted shipping during the tensions with the US and Israel. There was a brief ceasefire and some talks. Iran had reopened the strait for a short time on April 17-18, saying it was fully open to commercial traffic. But that opening lasted only about a day.
The US started its naval blockade of Iranian ports earlier in April after peace talks did not reach a full agreement. The US says the blockade targets only ships going to or from Iranian ports and does not stop other international shipping. President Donald Trump has said the blockade will stay in place until a proper deal is reached with Iran on bigger issues, including its nuclear programme.
When Iran announced the short reopening, Trump welcomed it but made it clear that the US blockade on Iranian shipping would continue. Iran then reversed its decision and reimposed restrictions. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the US action was a “clumsy and ignorant decision” and that the strait would remain closed until the blockade is lifted.
What President Trump Said
President Donald Trump spoke to reporters on April 18, 2026. He said the United States is having “very good conversations” with Iran. He added that the talks are “working out very well” and that more information may come soon. At the same time, he took a firm stand. Trump said Iran cannot blackmail the US by closing the strait. He warned that if no long-term deal is reached by the ceasefire deadline, the US may have to take stronger steps.
Trump also mentioned that the US will keep the naval blockade in full force regarding Iran until a complete transaction or agreement is done. He rejected any idea of Iran putting new tolls or extra controls on the strait.
Impact on Global Oil and Economy
The repeated closures and attacks have affected oil prices. With around 20 percent of world oil flow halted or made risky, prices have gone up sharply. Experts say this is one of the biggest disruptions to energy supply in recent years. Many tankers are now waiting outside the strait or taking longer routes, which increases costs.
For India, the effect is direct. India imports a large part of its crude oil from the Gulf countries. Any stoppage or delay in the Strait of Hormuz raises fuel prices inside the country and can add to inflation. The government is watching the situation closely and looking at other sources of oil to reduce risk. Shipping companies have raised insurance costs for ships going near the area.
The crisis has also hit other goods that move through the same route, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Countries in Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea and India, feel the pressure more because they buy most of the oil that passes through Hormuz.
India’s Response and Concern for Its Ships
The Indian Shipping Ministry identified the affected vessels as Sanmar Herald (crude oil tanker) and Jag Arnav (bulk carrier). Both ships turned back safely. At least 13 to 14 Indian-linked vessels were in or near the Persian Gulf when the latest restrictions started. Some have returned or are waiting for safe passage.
India has asked Iran to ensure the safety of Indian crew and ships. The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with all sides. The Indian Navy is also keeping a watch on the maritime situation to protect Indian interests. No Indian crew member has been hurt in the reported incidents.
Many experts say India needs to keep diversifying its oil sources and build stronger reserves so that such disruptions do not hurt the economy too much.
Views from Different Sides
Iran says its action is only a response to the US blockade. They call the US move against the spirit of the ceasefire. Iranian officials have said they want talks but not under pressure.
The United States says it is ready for talks and that the blockade is a fair way to stop Iran from earning through the strait while negotiations go on. Trump has said Iran “got a little cute” in its approach but that conversations continue.
Other countries are worried about higher energy costs and the risk of the crisis spreading. Shipping groups have advised all vessels to stay away from the area until the situation becomes clear.
What May Happen Next
The ceasefire between the parties has a deadline coming soon. Both sides say they want a long-term deal but differences remain on several points. The next few days are important. If the blockade and counter-closure continue, more ships may face problems and oil prices could rise further.
For now, shipping traffic through the strait has dropped a lot. Many tankers have anchored or changed plans. The UKMTO and other maritime safety bodies continue to issue warnings to ships in the Gulf region.
This episode shows how one narrow stretch of water can affect the whole world. Countries like India, which buy oil from the Middle East, have to stay careful and plan for different routes and suppliers.
The government and people in India hope that talks between the US and Iran will succeed soon so that normal shipping can restart and energy prices can become stable again.
Relevant Quotes
“The Strait of Hormuz is under our total sovereignty. We will not allow a single drop of oil to leave this region if our own rights are trampled upon by the Great Satan.” — Official Statement, IRGC Command.
“India is monitoring the situation with grave concern. The safety of our seafarers and the security of our energy lifelines are non-negotiable.” — Source, Ministry of External Affairs, India.
FAQs
Q1. Why did Iran close the Strait of Hormuz again?
A: Iran said it closed the strait because the United States did not lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports. The IRGC called the blockade “acts of piracy” and said the strait will stay under strict control until the action ends
Q2. Which Indian ships were affected and what happened to them?
A: The Indian-flagged oil tanker Sanmar Herald and bulk carrier Jag Arnav were approached by IRGC gunboats. Shots were fired, but no casualties occurred. Both ships turned back safely. Several other India-bound vessels also returned without crossing.
Q3. What is the US doing in the area?
A: The US has placed a naval blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports. President Trump said this will continue until a full agreement is reached with Iran. He added that other ships can still pass but Iran cannot use the strait for its benefit during talks.
Q4. How does this affect oil prices and India?
A: The strait carries about 20 percent of world oil. When it faces problems, oil prices go up. For India this means higher cost of petrol, diesel and other fuels. The government is trying to find oil from other countries to reduce the effect.
Q5. Is it safe for ships to go through the Strait of Hormuz now?
A: Maritime safety agencies like UKMTO have warned ships to be careful. Many vessels have turned back or stopped after the firing incidents. Normal traffic has reduced sharply.
Q6. What did President Trump say about the situation?
A: He said the US is having very good conversations with Iran and that things are working out well. But he made it clear that Iran cannot blackmail the US by closing the strait and that the blockade will remain until a proper deal is done.
Q7. What is India doing to protect its ships and oil supply?
A: India has spoken to Iran about the safety of its vessels and crew. The Shipping Ministry and Navy are monitoring the situation. Efforts are on to diversify oil imports so the country does not depend too much on any one route.