Strait of Hormuz shut after tanker reports being under fire

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard announced the Strait of Hormuz was closed and maritime monitors released audio reported to capture a tanker saying it was under fire; hundreds of commercial vessels and their crews are reported to be anchored and unable to transit on both sides of the waterway.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on April 18 that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and warned ships not to leave anchorage. Maritime monitors released audio that is reported to capture a tanker making a distress call and saying it was under fire as it approached the strait. Shipping companies and maritime agencies report hundreds of commercial vessels are anchored on both sides and crews remain on board. U.S. officials have said a naval blockade of Iranian ports is in place and President Trump said the blockade would continue. Key reported developments: - The IRGC announced the strait would stay closed until the United States lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, and warned that vessels moving from anchorage could be treated as collaborators. - Audio released by a maritime monitoring group is reported to include a crew member making a distress call saying their tanker was being fired upon while approaching the strait. - Shipping firms and maritime bodies report hundreds of commercial vessels remain anchored on both sides, with crews unable to transit and facing prolonged delays. - U.S. Central Command and the White House have described a U.S. naval blockade being enforced, and officials said the blockade remains in effect. Summary: The closure and reported incidents have halted normal transit through a strategically important waterway and disrupted commercial shipping operations. Statements from Iranian and U.S. authorities indicate a continuing diplomatic and military standoff. Undetermined at this time.