TEHRAN: Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is “closed again”, reimposing strict control over maritime transit and requiring vessels to obtain Iranian authorisation, state media reported.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said Tehran had initially allowed limited passage through the Strait of Hormuz under prior agreements, but accused the United States of “breach of promise” and engaging in “piracy under the so-called blockade”.
The spokesperson said the control of the strategic waterway had now returned to its previous state of “strict management and control” by Iranian armed forces, adding that the situation would remain unchanged unless Washington ensured “complete freedom of movement” for Iranian-linked shipping.
“As long as the United States does not restore complete freedom of movement for vessels travelling to and from Iran, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain under strict control and in its previous state,” said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson cited what were described as “repeated US violations and piracy under the guise of blockade” as the reason for the move.
🚨 BREAKING
Iran’s Central Military HQ:
Iran agreed to allow a limited number of ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz according to agreements.#But U.S. did not fulfill their obligations.
🚨 So, the Strait of Hormuz is now #closed again and passage requires IRAN approval.— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) April 18, 2026
State broadcaster IRIB also quoted the spokesperson as saying that earlier arrangements allowing limited passage had been undermined.
“Iran agreed to allow a limited number of ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz according to agreements.
“But US did not fulfil their obligations. So, the Strait of Hormuz is now closed again and passage requires IRAN approval.”
The development marks a potential escalation in the fragile maritime situation, just a day after Iranian officials announced that the strait was open to commercial shipping under a ceasefire arrangement with Washington.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Spokesperson announced that transit through the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its previous state of strict military control, citing repeated US violations and piracy under the guise of blockade. pic.twitter.com/Oh0yHcgnBM
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) April 18, 2026
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor for global energy supplies, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passing through the narrow waterway. Any disruption or restriction is closely watched by international markets and shipping operators.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Friday welcomed Iran’s decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi formally confirmed the move as part of an ongoing ceasefire arrangement.
