Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz again

Iran has officially declared that it has resumed full military control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, intensifying regional tensions in the Middle East.

According to a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, this move is a direct response to the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Tehran characterizes as maritime piracy.

While commercial and military vessels will now face stricter Iranian surveillance, the country’s Civil Aviation Authority has partially reopened eastern airspace for passenger flights.

Concurrently, Iranian intelligence claims to have dismantled several spy networks linked to the U.S., Israel, and the UK across various provinces, alleging that these groups were attempting to incite domestic instability.