NPR News: 04-18-2026 11AM EDT

Iran's military announced it has regained control of the Strait of Hormuz after a brief reopening, vowing to block traffic until the US lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. President Trump stated the blockade remains until a nuclear deal is reached, rejecting Iran's attempts to close the strait as blackmail. The UK's Maritime Trade Operations reported two Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired at an unidentified tanker today; the vessel and crew are safe. With one-fifth of global oil passing through the strait, further disruptions risk higher prices.

Middle East Ceasefire and Strait Tensions

Tensions persist in the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran standoffs. Iran declared control after yesterday's reopening and pledged continued blockades in response to US actions on its ports. Trump affirmed the US position holds firm absent a nuclear agreement, framing Iran's moves as failed coercion after years of threats. A British report noted Iranian gunboats firing on a tanker, though no damage occurred. These events underscore risks to global oil flows, as the strait handles 20% of seaborne supply, potentially spiking prices anew.