Tehran, IRAN — Iran’s central military command announced on Saturday, April 18, 2026, that it will resume “strict management” of the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a previous decision to unblock the strategic maritime channel as part of negotiations with Washington.
In a statement shared via state television, the military headquarters said Washington had broken a promise by continuing its naval blockade of ships sailing to and from Iranian ports. Okay News reports that the Iranian military declared the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain strictly controlled until the United States restores freedom of movement for all vessels visiting Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route, and the reinstatement of “strict management” marks a shift in the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States. The Iranian military command emphasized that the move is a direct response to the continued blockade of its maritime trade routes.
This development follows a brief period where the channel was partially unblocked during negotiations. Earlier on Saturday, separate reports indicated that Iran had partially reopened its airspace following recent regional security concerns.
The central military command confirmed that the Strict Management protocols were enacted immediately on April 18, 2026.
