Following the expiry of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire this week, Iran has once again closed the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The country stated that the waterway will remain restricted as long as the United States maintains its naval blockade.

After briefly reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has again closed the vital economic waterway, saying it will restrict ships from passing through as long as the U.S. continues its blockade. <img alt="The sun rises behind a tanker anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, Saturday, April 18, 2026." src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/6000x4000!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2F8c%2Fc6803d384df...