Published on: 2026-04-19
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Tehran, April 19 /Xinhua/ — Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz from Saturday evening until the complete lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. This was reported by the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps /IRGC/ of Iran.
As stated in the statement by the IRGC, published on its official news portal Sepah News, this step was taken after the United States violated its obligations under the agreement on a two-week ceasefire, which came into force on April 8, and did not lift its naval blockade of Iranian vessels and ports.
The MSC SAR called on all courts and vessel owners to follow news only from official sources and through channel 16 VHF — the international maritime frequency for distress signals, safety, and communication.
Statements by U.S. President Donald Trump do not inspire confidence in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, the statement notes.
The CSI warns that no vessel should leave its berth in the Persian or Omani Gulf, and any approach to the Strait of Hormuz will be regarded as “collaboration with the enemy” and will be subject to appropriate measures.
On Friday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain “completely open” for commercial shipping during the ongoing truce between Iran and the USA, in accordance with the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon.
However, on Friday, D. Trump stated that the naval blockade will “remain at full strength” and the US will not lift it until the country makes a deal with Iran. Then, on Saturday, he said that Iran cannot “blackmail” the US with the help of the Strait of Hormuz. –0–
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