The ceasefire and the blockade are in danger of abject failure. Iran has taken control of the Strait. Earlier today, Iran fired on two vessels traveling through the Strait. The Indian oil tanker begged them to stop shooting at them.
Audio of the Indian oil tanker Sanmar Herald pleading with Iranian forces to stop shooting at it in the Strait of Hormuz this morning. pic.twitter.com/7Y5n7Jb7o0
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 18, 2026
Foreign Minister Araghchi said the Strait was open and the IRGC said overnight that it was closed.
The foreign minister said yesterday it was open.
The IRGC says today it’s not.
There is no Iranian government. No one person is in charge. There is rivalry, division and mistrust. They’re not capable of keeping any promises they make.
We need to keep up the pressure,… https://t.co/y0PdJvi301
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) April 18, 2026
Iran has threatened to cut the undersea cables in the Persian Gulf that provide global internet connectivity. It will cause significant problems.
🚨 BREAKING
Iran has threatened to cut the undersea cables in the Persian Gulf that provide global internet connectivity.
If Iran does this, it will plunge the entire world into Middle Ages darkness—and humanity will relive the Stone Age. pic.twitter.com/jL6NthRSl0
— The Iran Observer (@tv_ir_X) April 14, 2026
War Hawk Lindsey Graham responded.
My thoughts regarding Iran’s recent attack on international shipping and boasts that they are now in control of the Strait of Hormuz: Control the strait. Continue the blockade. Put Kharg Island in the crosshairs. Over time, we have all the cards.
After Iran’s brazen IRGC-led attack on international shipping and declaration that they’re now in control of the Strait, it is imperative that America and the world answer this provocation. The U.S. and others must demonstrate the ability to control the Strait without Iranian interference.
I urge President Trump to continue the blockade, which has been brilliantly executed and applies maximum pressure. It’s abundantly clear that after 47 years, promises coming from the Iranian regime are worthless. Steady as she goes. Stay resolved.
Parliament Speaker and Negotiator Ghalibaf Claims Control of the Strait
Iran’s reportedly corrupt Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf insists the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He said Iran responded decisively to the U.S. attempt at mine-clearing and considered it a violation of the ceasefire.
The situation escalated to the brink of confrontation, but the enemy backed down, according to Ghalibaf. If traffic is currently taking place in the Strait, it is because control of the Strait is in our hands.
The Americans have announced a blockade in recent days. This is a reckless and ignorant decision. It is impossible for others to go through the Strait while we cannot, he said. If the U.S. does not lift the blockade, movement through the Strait of Hormuz will definitely be restricted.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Ghalibaf:
The Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
We responded decisively to the U.S. attempt at mine-clearing and considered it a violation of the ceasefire. The situation escalated close to confrontation, but the… pic.twitter.com/DJIQl5jR1p
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 18, 2026