Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again; IRGC Gunboats Fire on Merchant Vessel

Iran formally closed the Strait of Hormuz again on April 18 (Day 50), stating the waterway had 'returned to its previous state' under strict IRGC control. An Iranian military spokesperson declared the closure was in direct response to the continued US naval blockade of Iranian ports, calling the blockade 'acts of piracy and maritime robbery.' Iranian gunboats reportedly fired warning shots at a merchant vessel attempting transit without IRGC clearance, forcing it to reverse course. The closure came less than 24 hours after Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi had declared the Strait 'completely open,' creating significant confusion among shipping operators. France and the UK announced plans to lead maritime security operations in the Hormuz region.