Iranian Navy Closes Strait of Hormuz Again, 2 Ships Report Being Fired Upon
The Iranian Navy has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, denying passage to commercial vessels. At least two ships reported being fired upon by Iranian forces, though no casualties were reported.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 18, 2026 at 22:07
- 🔍 Collected: April 18, 2026 at 22:31 (24 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 22:56 (24 min after Collected)
Central News Agency (CNA, Tehran, 18th) - Reuters cited shipping sources reporting that several commercial ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz today received radio messages from the Iranian Navy informing them that passage was prohibited. Meanwhile, two vessels reported being fired upon.
According to Reuters, multiple commercial ships had received navigation notices yesterday indicating they would be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but only via routes deemed safe by Iran. Consequently, they attempted to transit the strait today.
Shipping and maritime security sources told Reuters that at least two vessels reported being fired upon by Iranian boats today. These incidents occurred in the waters between Qeshm Island and Larak Island.
The aforementioned sources mentioned that the ships involved subsequently turned back and did not complete their passage.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that the agency received an incident report occurring in waters 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman.
The captain of one oil tanker stated that two Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats approached the vessel and opened fire. Both the tanker and all crew members are safe.
Several ships reported that the Iranian Navy broadcasted messages via Very High Frequency (VHF) radio, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed once again.
According to Reuters, multiple commercial ships had received navigation notices yesterday indicating they would be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but only via routes deemed safe by Iran. Consequently, they attempted to transit the strait today.
Shipping and maritime security sources told Reuters that at least two vessels reported being fired upon by Iranian boats today. These incidents occurred in the waters between Qeshm Island and Larak Island.
The aforementioned sources mentioned that the ships involved subsequently turned back and did not complete their passage.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that the agency received an incident report occurring in waters 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman.
The captain of one oil tanker stated that two Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats approached the vessel and opened fire. Both the tanker and all crew members are safe.
Several ships reported that the Iranian Navy broadcasted messages via Very High Frequency (VHF) radio, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed once again.