Iran closes Strait of Hormuz after attacks on tankers and cargo ships

Two tankers were attacked and three cargo ships struck as Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz after a brief reopening on Saturday. The incidents occurred on April 18, 2026, when a handful of oil and gas tankers attempted to cross the narrow waterway between Oman and Iran ^[4].

The strait carries roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments, so any disruption can raise fuel prices worldwide and heighten geopolitical tension. Iran’s decision to reverse a pledge to keep the route open came after a U.S. counter‑blockade, prompting the closure and the reported attacks ^[5].

During the short window of reopening, Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials said two vessels were struck by unknown weapons ^[1]. A separate report from a Yahoo news article said three cargo ships were hit by projectiles later that day ^[2]. The discrepancy highlights the fog of war in the region, where sources differ on the exact number of ships damaged. Both accounts agree that the attacks followed Iran’s announcement that the strait would be closed again.

U.S. forces said they had destroyed 16 Iranian minelayers in the days preceding the cargo‑ship incidents, a move aimed at preventing the deployment of naval mines in the waterway ^[3]. The minelayer operation underscores the escalating maritime standoff between Tehran and Washington, each accusing the other of destabilising a critical chokepoint.

Analysts note that while the brief reopening eased commercial traffic, the subsequent closure and attacks signal that the strait’s security remains volatile. Shipping companies have rerouted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks to transit times, and increasing freight costs. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic assurances that the strait would stay open for trade.

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**What this means** The renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the reported attacks illustrate how quickly regional disputes can translate into global economic repercussions. With a significant share of the world’s oil supply dependent on this passage, any interruption can ripple through energy markets, prompting higher prices and prompting governments to reassess naval deployments and diplomatic strategies aimed at preserving maritime freedom.