CNN: Strait Of Hormuz Went From Open To Closed In Less Than 24 Hours
- 19.04.2026, 9:52
The U.S. and Iran remain far from agreeing.
After briefly hoping for the reopening of one of the world's busiest waterways, the Strait of Hormuz, the situation has deteriorated again, taking a sharp turn in less than 24 hours, writes CNN.
In five days Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait would be fully reopened, adding that Iran would coordinate shipping routes. However, Trump then said the US blockade of Iranian ports would continue "in full force" until the "deal" with Iran is finalized.
A mere 24 hours later, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had blockaded the strait again, citing the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports.
"Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be regarded as cooperation with the enemy and any violating vessel will be prosecuted," the IRGC said in a statement.
On Saturday, the Iranian military reiterated that transit for commercial shipping will be severely restricted as long as the US blockade continues. In confirmation, two ships were fired on near the coast of Oman, with the tanker captain saying Iranian gunboats were responsible for the first attack.
Trump in turn insisted that talks with Iran were going very well, but that the US would not give in to blackmail. Iran's National Security Council has said Tehran is considering "new proposals" from the US, but has yet to respond.
Besides shipping across the strait, the two sides remain far from agreement on the surrender and removal of Iran's highly enriched uranium, as well as on the ongoing enrichment program.
At the same time, the truce expires in just three days, and Trump has said he does not know if it will be extended.
The Iranian regime does not appear to be in any mood for compromise
Iranian Gen. Mohammad Naqdi, said Saturday that "if the war resumes, we will use missiles scheduled for production in May 2026."
While Iranian sources told CNN they expect a second round of talks next week, the U.S. has yet to publicly confirm its plans, and the truce ends as early as April 21.
At the same time, there are signs that fierce negotiations are taking place behind the scenes. High-ranking U.S. officials were seen arriving at the White House in Washington on Saturday afternoon, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.