Iran closes Strait of Hormuz
Analysis based on 16 articles · First reported Apr 18, 2026 · Last updated Apr 18, 2026
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, is expected to cause significant volatility in oil and liquefied natural gas prices, likely driving them higher. This action, in response to the United States' naval blockade, creates substantial uncertainty for international trade and shipping, potentially leading to increased insurance costs and rerouting of vessels.
Iran's military has once again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, hours after briefly reopening it. This decision was made in response to the continued naval blockade of Iranian ports by the United States. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway through which a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes. The closure has caused commercial ships to reverse course and has cast doubt on United States President Donald Trump's optimism for a peace deal to end the US-Israeli war with Iran. Despite ongoing mediation efforts by Pakistan, key sticking points such as Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and the future of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved. The conflict, which began on February 28 with surprise attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, has spread regionally and led to the death of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
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