Videos circulating on social media show women without the mandatory hijab, dressed in Basij and IRGC uniforms, being deployed to the streets after government supporters' demonstrations in Iran.
India summoned the Iranian Ambassador to protest after IRGC gunboats fired on the Indian-flagged oil tanker The Sanmar Harald as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz today while transporting Iraqi oil to India.
Protesters in Iran are criticizing the Islamic Republic regime, referring to it as "Muslim Nazis," and questioning why Supreme Leader Khamenei has not been buried despite his reported death. Online commentators are disputing claims that the regime is maintaining control over the country.
IRGC forces in the Strait of Hormuz shot at two Indian vessels and a UK Maritime Trade Operations organization reported that a recreational cruise ship near Oman's coast, three nautical miles east, had an object strike the water near it. Ships have been advised to report any suspicious activity following these incidents.
The Islamic Republic News Network announced that transit and passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be conducted under the control and authorization of the Iranian Armed Forces, with vessels required to obtain passage certificates and pay fees for security and environmental protection services.
Iran has broadcast a message to ships around the Strait of Hormuz declaring the waterway "completely closed" due to the U.S. government's failure to fulfill commitments in negotiations.
On April 18, 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the continuation of a "maritime blockade" against Iranian ports and coastal areas, releasing images of Apache helicopters over the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. combatant vessels in the Sea of Oman.
India's Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to the country after an Indian ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz today.
During a press conference, President Trump was asked about Iran's claim to have closed the Strait of Hormuz. He responded skeptically, stating, "Did they really do that? I don't think so. I guess we'll have more information on this by the end of the day."
U.S. President Trump stated that the U.S. is having "very good conversations" with Iran for the first time since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the U.S. has largely destroyed Iran's navy, air force, and leadership.
An intelligence source in the region told Fox News that the Revolutionary Guards have full control of the Strait of Hormuz, with several vessels forced to turn back since morning.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Iran's attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "Iran got a little cute... they wanted to close up the strait again... they can’t blackmail us.”
At least three attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz were reported by Axios; two targeted ships were Indian oil tankers carrying Iraqi oil, with no casualties but significant disruption to global trade routes.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has closed the Strait of Hormuz, preventing ships from passing through since morning. Fox News reports that the strait is now completely under IRGC control, causing many vessels to turn back.
Naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) used gunfire to repel two Indian ships from the Strait of Hormuz, blocking the passage route; one of the vessels was a VLCC supertanker carrying Iraqi oil. British maritime authorities reported that IRGC speedboats had earlier fired upon an oil tanker near Oman, resulting in no casualties.
The British Army announced that a cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, 46 kilometers northeast of Oman, was targeted by an unidentified projectile, damaging several containers on board. Ship-tracking data shows the Strait of Hormuz now largely empty due to the Islamic Republic's closure, contrasting with earlier morning activity when oil tankers were passing through.
Iraqi supporters are being paid to attend rallies in favor of the Islamic Republic regime in Iran, according to a social media post. The post claims that many of the regime's supporters are not Iranian and do not speak Persian.
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei's senior is absent, leaving Mojtaba, who may be unconscious, unable to prevent internal conflicts among the IRGC, clerical leaders, and the regime's foreign ministry. Former US President Trump is reportedly exploiting the regime's internal divisions and power struggles.
Images released by CENTCOM show U.S. Army AH-64E Guardian attack helicopters patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz alongside U.S. Navy MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters during the naval blockade of Iran, providing close support and enhancing maritime security against IRGC Navy fast boats. #OperationEpicFury #OperationLionsRoar
Naval forces affiliated with the IRGC terrorist group in Iran have attacked at least three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, violating a previously established ceasefire. This action has heightened tensions in a strategically vital waterway for global energy security.
