Iran warned it could close the Strait of Hormuz if the US maintains its blockade, reversing earlier claims the route was open and escalating tensions in global oil markets.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES | April 18, 2026
Iran has threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports, dramatically escalating tensions just hours after declaring the critical shipping route “completely open.”
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said access to the vital waterway could be restricted, warning that “with the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open.”
The statement marked a sharp reversal from earlier comments by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who had said commercial shipping was moving freely during a temporary 10-day ceasefire linked to regional tensions.
US blockade intensifies pressure
The United States Central Command confirmed that at least 21 vessels have been forced to turn back since the blockade began earlier this week, highlighting the growing disruption in one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
US President Donald Trump reiterated that the naval blockade would remain in place until a comprehensive agreement with Iran is reached, signaling no immediate de-escalation.
Global energy stakes rise
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, carries a significant portion of the world’s oil supply, making any threat to its closure a major concern for global markets.
Energy prices showed volatility following the developments, with crude oil contracts declining but remaining under pressure amid uncertainty over supply routes.
A fragile situation
The conflicting signals from Tehran — first assuring open passage, then threatening closure — underscore the fragile and rapidly evolving situation in the region.
With both Washington and Tehran hardening positions, the future of one of the world’s most critical maritime arteries now hangs in the balance, raising fears of wider economic and geopolitical fallout.
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