Iran tightens control of Strait of Hormuz; Trump warns against 'blackmail'

Tehran said it was responding to a continued US blockade of Iranian ports, calling it a violation of their ceasefire

Tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, Saturday, April 18, 2026. Picture: AP Photo/Asghar Besharati

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026 - 21:01

Trevor Hunnicutt, Ariba Shahid and Muhammad Al Gebaly

Iran said it was tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, warning mariners the vital energy route was again closed, but President Donald Trump said Tehran could not blackmail the United States by shutting the waterway.

Tehran said it was responding to a continued US blockade of Iranian ports, calling it a violation of their ceasefire, while Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran's navy ‌was ready to inflict "new bitter defeats" on its enemies.