Reactions and statements from the international community
Islamic Regime’s Marandi stated that Iran will fight to control the Strait of Hormuz and succeed, warning that if the U.S. escalates, Gulf states may become uninhabitable. Marandi also advised residents of Gulf states to leave their homes.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, stated that the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic and warned that continued pressures could lead to restrictions on ship transit through the strait. He also claimed that the current transit in the strait is under the Islamic Republic's control and that they are prepared to respond to military movements if the so-called blockade of its ports by the United States continues.
In a televised address, Speaker of Iran's Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic and warned that traffic through the strait will be restricted if the U.S. does not lift its blockade. Ghalibaf also claimed Iran responded to a U.S. mine-clearing attempt, which he termed a ceasefire violation, and said the Americans retreated after requesting 15 minutes to consult.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the new leader of the Islamic regime of Iran, delivered his first official statement to the public, asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz and threatening to restrict traffic if the U.S. does not lift its blockade, following a confrontation with a U.S. Navy minesweeper during negotiations in Islamabad.
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps closed the Strait of Hormuz, declaring it closed until the U.S. maritime blockade is canceled, and warned that approaching vessels would be deemed as cooperating with the enemy.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and head of Iran's negotiating delegation with the United States, claimed control of the Strait of Hormuz is in Iran's hands and warned that passage through the strait will be restricted if the U.S. does not end its maritime blockade. Hours later, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been completely closed and any vessel approaching will be targeted.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, stated in a televised interview that the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic and warned that any further U.S. mine-clearing operations would be met with force, threatening to restrict transit if the blockade continues.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Ghalibaf, stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and responded decisively to a U.S. attempt at mine-clearing, considering it a violation of the ceasefire. Ghalibaf warned that if the U.S. does not lift its blockade, movement through the Strait will be restricted.
The Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Iranian state media, has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. lifts its siege on Iran's ports. This decision follows a previous warning to all ships to anchor around the strait, with any approach deemed as collaboration with the enemy.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has closed the Strait of Hormuz, declaring it will remain closed until the United States lifts its naval blockade in the region.
The U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the region around the Strait of Hormuz by deploying warships, carrier strike groups, and thousands of military personnel to implement a naval blockade and intercept vessels, monitoring critical energy routes.
The IDF eliminated several Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon, near the forward defense line, after identifying a cell approaching Israeli troops in violation of the ceasefire. In a separate incident, the Israeli Air Force struck a Hezbollah tunnel shaft where multiple operatives were seen entering it.
