Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz After Gunfire Incident Involving Tankers
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to a US blockade of its ports. Reports indicate that Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker, forcing several vessels, including an Indian supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of oil, to turn back. The Iranian military stated that control of the waterway, through which 20 percent of global oil flows, has reverted to strict management. This closure follows a brief reopening that allowed over a dozen ships to pass. The situation remains volatile, with mixed signals from Iranian authorities contributing to uncertainty for commercial shipping. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has summoned the Iranian ambassador to lodge a formal protest regarding the incident involving the Indian-flagged tanker.
Published 2 days ago • 18 Apr 2026, 06:21 PM IST