Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again as Ceasefire Deadline Looms

Negotiations between US and Iran hit roadblocks with key issues unresolved

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:08am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring an oil tanker ship repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of blue, grey, and black, conveying the volatility and uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.As tensions escalate over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran hangs in the balance.Washington Today

Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, blaming the US for 'breaches of trust' just a day after declaring the waterway open. This comes as top US officials were seen arriving at the White House for negotiations with Iran, with a ceasefire set to expire in a few days. The talks are far from a final agreement, according to Iran's parliament speaker, with several key sticking points remaining.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments, with around a fifth of the world's oil supply passing through it. Iran's closure of the strait could have major economic and geopolitical ramifications if the situation escalates further. The negotiations between the US and Iran also have high stakes, as failure to reach a deal could reignite military conflict in the region.

The details

Iran has cited 'repeated breaches of trust' by the US as the reason for reimposing strict limits on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after Iran had announced on Friday that the strait would be 'fully open and ready for full passage.' However, the US has said its naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue until a deal is reached. Tensions have risen as the two sides remain divided on key issues, including the fate of Iran's uranium stockpiles, the length of any suspension to its enrichment program, and the lifting of sanctions. Both sides have made proposals, but remain 'far from a final agreement' according to Iran's parliament speaker.

  • The ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire in the next few days.
  • Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again on Saturday, just a day after saying it would reopen the vital waterway.

The players

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf

Iran's parliament speaker who stated that Washington and Tehran are 'far from a final agreement' on a deal.

Donald Trump

The US President who said negotiations with Iran are progressing but that Iran 'got a little cute.'

Pete Hegseth

The US Defense Secretary who was seen arriving at the White House for meetings on the Iran negotiations.

Abbas Araghchi

Iran's Foreign Minister who had earlier suggested the Strait of Hormuz would be fully reopened.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

Iran's military force that said it has blocked the Strait of Hormuz again, citing the continued US blockade of Iranian ports.

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What they’re saying

“Washington and Tehran 'are far from a final agreement,'”

— Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker

“Iran 'got a little cute.'”

— Donald Trump

“Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and any offending vessel will be targeted.”

— Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The ongoing tensions and lack of progress in the US-Iran negotiations highlight the fragility of the situation, with the potential for the conflict to reignite if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire expires. Both sides appear to be using brinkmanship tactics, raising the stakes and the risks of miscalculation.