Iran reimposes restrictions on Strait of Hormuz, accusing US of violating deal to reopen it
Apr 18, 2026, 1:28 AM | Updated: 1:56 pm
FILE - Two police officers walk in front of an anti-U.S. billboard depicting American aircraft being caught by Iranian armed forces in a fishing net beneath the words in Farsi, "The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, The entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground," in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, April 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
(AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)
CAIRO (AP) — Iran swiftly reversed course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on the critical waterway on Saturday after the U.S. said the move would not end its blockade.
The country’s joint military command said on Saturday that it “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces.” It warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect.
The announcement came the morning after U.S. President Donald Trump said the American blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the U.S., including on its nuclear program.
