Iran tightens control over Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with US

IRGC joint military command says control of the strategic waterway has been restored to its previous position

TEHRAN: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News -April 18th, 2026) Iran has intensified surveillance and control over the Strait of Hormuz, according to official statements, as tensions with the United States escalate over maritime restrictions.

As reported by Al Jazeera, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) joint military command stated that control of the strategic waterway has been restored to its previous position. The statement attributed the move to what it described as continued US restrictions on Iranian ports.

The IRGC termed the alleged blockade of Iranian ports as “maritime piracy” and theft by the United States.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said in a social media statement that the country’s navy is fully prepared to inflict further losses on its adversaries. He asserted that Iranian naval forces are ready to deliver a “new and decisive defeat” to enemies.

Separately, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, during a media briefing, described the US blockade of Iranian ports as illegal, adding that Iran’s defense posture is aimed at safeguarding the entire region.

Khatibzadeh also criticized remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who reportedly warned of possible military action if no agreement is reached by Wednesday. He said the statement was contradictory and questioned its implications, particularly the suggestion that the American public would decide on such matters.

He emphasized that Iran would continue its defense efforts, stating that the country would persist in its struggle as long as even one Iranian soldier remains, while noting that war cannot yield positive outcomes and urging the US to recognize this reality.