Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again; Chinese, Indian Ships Forced to Turn Back as Shipping Halts
Iran restricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz ahead of the US-Iran ceasefire expiration, causing shipping to halt and crude oil prices to spike due to energy supply fears.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 20:27
- 🔍 Collected: April 19, 2026 at 20:31 (4 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 20:51 (19 min after Collected)
US-Iran War Breaking News
Central News
(CNA, Washington, 19th) Just days before a fragile ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran was set to expire, Iran re-imposed controls over the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial waterway for global energy supplies—bringing navigation through this strategic chokepoint to a standstill today.
According to Reuters, Iran's top negotiator stated that recent talks with the US had made progress, and US President Donald Trump also mentioned having "very good conversations" with Tehran. However, neither side disclosed further details.
Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, indicated that massive divides remain regarding two major sticking points: the nuclear issue and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran had previously announced it would allow ships to pass through the strait, but abruptly reversed its stance yesterday, accusing the US of violating the ceasefire agreement and continuing to blockade Iranian ports.
Following reports that two Indian vessels were attacked while attempting to transit the strait yesterday, shipping data showed that traffic in the narrow waterway had halted by early this morning.
A Chinese oil tanker and an Indian LNG carrier were spotted heading east through the strait this morning, but data from vessel tracking website MarineTraffic showed the two ships were apparently forced to turn back. After 0:00 GMT, no other vessels entered or exited the Persian Gulf.
Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz carried one-fifth of the world's oil transit. Now, entering the 8th week of the conflict, the strait is effectively blockaded, causing the most severe shock to global energy supplies in history and driving oil prices to spike. (Translation: Yang Zhaoyan) 1150419
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Central News
(CNA, Washington, 19th) Just days before a fragile ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran was set to expire, Iran re-imposed controls over the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial waterway for global energy supplies—bringing navigation through this strategic chokepoint to a standstill today.
According to Reuters, Iran's top negotiator stated that recent talks with the US had made progress, and US President Donald Trump also mentioned having "very good conversations" with Tehran. However, neither side disclosed further details.
Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, indicated that massive divides remain regarding two major sticking points: the nuclear issue and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran had previously announced it would allow ships to pass through the strait, but abruptly reversed its stance yesterday, accusing the US of violating the ceasefire agreement and continuing to blockade Iranian ports.
Following reports that two Indian vessels were attacked while attempting to transit the strait yesterday, shipping data showed that traffic in the narrow waterway had halted by early this morning.
A Chinese oil tanker and an Indian LNG carrier were spotted heading east through the strait this morning, but data from vessel tracking website MarineTraffic showed the two ships were apparently forced to turn back. After 0:00 GMT, no other vessels entered or exited the Persian Gulf.
Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz carried one-fifth of the world's oil transit. Now, entering the 8th week of the conflict, the strait is effectively blockaded, causing the most severe shock to global energy supplies in history and driving oil prices to spike. (Translation: Yang Zhaoyan) 1150419
Choose to stand with the facts. Every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA 'First Hand News' APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.