Iran Fires on Tanker, Reimposes Strait of Hormuz Restrictions

Dubai, Apr 19: Iran on Saturday fired on a tanker attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and reimposed restrictions on the vital waterway, warning it would continue to block passage as long as the US blockade of its ports remains in place.

Iran’s joint military command said “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state” under strict armed forces management, reversing its earlier decision to reopen the route to commercial shipping.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre, two Revolutionary Guard gunboats opened fire on a tanker in the strait, though the vessel and crew were reported safe. TankerTrackers.com said multiple ships, including an Indian-flagged supertanker, were forced to turn back after the incident.

The escalation followed US President Donald Trump’s statement that the blockade on Iran “will remain in full force” until Tehran agrees to a deal addressing its nuclear programme. Iran had briefly reopened the strait on Friday.

The renewed disruption threatens to deepen the global energy crisis, as nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the chokepoint. Any prolonged restrictions could further tighten supply and push prices higher.

Despite rising tensions, mediators, including Pakistani officials, indicated that the US and Iran were still moving toward a potential agreement ahead of an April 22 ceasefire deadline.

The broader conflict has so far claimed at least 3,000 lives in Iran, nearly 2,300 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, along with 13 US service members. (Agencies)