Iran Reimposed Strait Control; IRGC Gunboats Fire on Indian Tanker as Ceasefire Expiry Looms

On April 18, Iran formally reimposed 'strict control' of the Strait of Hormuz, citing the continued US naval blockade of Iranian ports as a ceasefire violation. Iranian IRGC gunboats fired on an Indian-flagged tanker (reportedly the Sanmar Herald) approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman without issuing radio warnings — the tanker and crew were reported safe after the incident. A container ship also reported coming under Iranian attack. Trump told CBS News the US was having 'very good conversations' with Tehran despite the escalation. The April 21 ceasefire expiry deadline loomed critically, with Trump signaling he might not extend it unless a longer-term agreement was reached 'by Wednesday.' Global mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Oman remained in contact with both sides as diplomatic pressure mounted.