Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz again: The situation in the Middle East changes abruptly, plunging the global energy lifeline into crisis once more.
2026-04-19 08:54:32
Iran abruptly announced the reclosure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday (April 18), less than a day after its brief reopening, immediately drawing significant international attention. This strategic waterway, a core route for global oil transport, is repeatedly closed and reopened, directly testing the fragility of US-Iran negotiations and casting a shadow over the Middle East peace process once again. Following the incident, US President Trump explicitly warned Iran that it could not use this to blackmail the United States, and the subsequent shelling of several vessels attempting to pass through further escalated regional tensions.
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has made it clear that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. The department issued a stern warning that any vessel moving from its anchorages in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman, or approaching the Strait of Hormuz, will be considered to be collaborating with the enemy and will face military action. Two Revolutionary Guard gunboats have opened fire on an oil tanker transiting the strait. The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Centre confirmed the tanker and its crew were safe but did not disclose their identities. Shipping sources also reported that at least two other vessels reported being fired upon while attempting to pass.
This sudden closure occurred after Iran announced the reopening of the Straits of Hormuz on Friday. At that time, Iran stated the Straits were open to commercial vessels due to a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, but disagreements quickly arose regarding the conditions. Iranian state media indicated that the United States failed to fulfill its obligations under the agreement, including lifting its ongoing blockade of Iranian ports, thus leading to the re-closure of the Straits. The Islamic Republic of Iran Radio emphasized that Iran had previously only agreed to the passage of a limited number of vessels, but the US had not honored its promises, and now passage requires Iranian approval. Revolutionary Guard spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Zolfagari further explained that control of the Straits has returned to its previous strict state, and Iran will maintain the blockade as long as the US blockade continues.
In the United States, Trump stated at a White House event that US-Iran dialogue was progressing well and that more information was expected before the end of the day. He described Iran's move as "a bit too clever" and firmly stated, "They can't blackmail us." Trump had previously hinted that the two-week ceasefire agreement, which was set to expire on Wednesday, might not be extended, while emphasizing that the US blockade of Iranian ports would remain unchanged and that the US would resume military action if necessary.
Peace talks held last weekend in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, failed to reach an agreement, with a delegation led by US Vice President JD Vance and a team led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf unable to bridge their differences. Iran's Supreme National Security Council revealed that the Pakistani Army Chief of Staff, acting as an intermediary, conveyed a new US proposal to Iran, which is currently under review. Iran demands that the US abandon excessive demands and adjust its position based on the situation on the ground, while emphasizing its intention to maintain complete control over the Strait of Hormuz until lasting peace is achieved in the region. In the meantime, Iran will collect detailed information on passing vessels, issue transit certificates, and levy tolls.
Furthermore, the nuclear issue remains a major obstacle in the negotiations. Trump stated that the United States would work with Iran to recover materials related to Iran's nuclear program, including all its enriched uranium stockpiles, after the agreement is signed. However, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Khatibzadeh denied this, pointing out that the United States has not abandoned its extreme stance and Iran is not yet ready for a new round of face-to-face negotiations.
Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon has become increasingly uncertain. Israel and Lebanon reached a 10-day ceasefire agreement, but a French peacekeeper was killed and three others injured in an attack in the south. French President Macron and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon pointed the finger at Hezbollah, which Hezbollah denied. Pakistan's foreign minister pointed out that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been a key sticking point in US-Iran negotiations, and the Lebanese ceasefire was initially seen as a positive factor in advancing the agreement. However, Hezbollah did not participate in the negotiations, and Israeli forces still occupy parts of southern Lebanon, raising questions about its adherence to the ceasefire. In Beirut, many displaced families have begun returning to the south and the capital's suburbs, despite official warnings that they should only proceed after the ceasefire has stabilized.
The war with Iran has resulted in heavy casualties: at least 3,000 people have died in Iran, more than 2,290 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, more than a dozen in the Gulf Arab countries, and 13 American soldiers. During his trip to Africa, Pope Leo XIV stated that he had no intention of debating the war with Trump over Iran, but would continue to preach the Gospel message of peace, clarifying that his remarks were not directed at any specific individual, but reflected a broader ideal of peace.
The repeated opening and closing of the Strait of Hormuz has directly impacted the global energy market. This strait previously handled approximately one-fifth of the world's crude oil shipments; its disruption triggered the largest oil supply crisis in history, causing oil prices to surge. News of Iran closing the strait again could push up market risk premiums, especially given the ongoing US blockade and the fragile ceasefire agreement. If the conflict prolongs or military action resumes, international oil prices are expected to break through key psychological barriers again, potentially returning to above $100 per barrel. This would further increase global inflationary pressures and impact the economic recovery of energy-importing countries.
Meanwhile, gold prices, as a traditional safe-haven asset, exhibit a complex interplay of factors. On one hand, escalating geopolitical tensions often drive up gold prices due to safe-haven demand; on the other hand, the brief opening of the Strait of Hormuz caused oil prices to plummet by over 10%, easing inflation concerns and reinforcing market expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, thus pushing gold prices higher. Currently, gold prices are already in a high range. If the US-Iran negotiations make substantial progress and the Strait of Hormuz remains relatively stable, a pullback in oil prices may continue to support short-term upward movement in gold prices. However, if the situation deteriorates and triggers a wider conflict, oil prices may surge again, further increasing inflation concerns and expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike. This could put some downward pressure on gold prices in the short term, but gold's safe-haven attributes may limit the downside potential.
Overall, this event highlights the amplifying effect of Middle East geopolitical risks on commodity markets. Investors need to closely monitor the progress of subsequent US-Iran negotiations, the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, and actual shipping data. In the short term, oil price volatility will increase significantly, while gold prices may remain strong driven by both safe-haven demand and expectations of interest rate cuts. However, the long-term trend still depends on whether regional peace can be truly achieved and adjustments in the global energy supply and demand fundamentals. Market participants should remain cautious and prepare hedging strategies to cope with potential continued uncertainty.
Cause of the incident: From brief opening to sudden closure
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has made it clear that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. The department issued a stern warning that any vessel moving from its anchorages in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman, or approaching the Strait of Hormuz, will be considered to be collaborating with the enemy and will face military action. Two Revolutionary Guard gunboats have opened fire on an oil tanker transiting the strait. The UK's Maritime Trade Operations Centre confirmed the tanker and its crew were safe but did not disclose their identities. Shipping sources also reported that at least two other vessels reported being fired upon while attempting to pass.
This sudden closure occurred after Iran announced the reopening of the Straits of Hormuz on Friday. At that time, Iran stated the Straits were open to commercial vessels due to a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, but disagreements quickly arose regarding the conditions. Iranian state media indicated that the United States failed to fulfill its obligations under the agreement, including lifting its ongoing blockade of Iranian ports, thus leading to the re-closure of the Straits. The Islamic Republic of Iran Radio emphasized that Iran had previously only agreed to the passage of a limited number of vessels, but the US had not honored its promises, and now passage requires Iranian approval. Revolutionary Guard spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Zolfagari further explained that control of the Straits has returned to its previous strict state, and Iran will maintain the blockade as long as the US blockade continues.
Trump responds tough to current status of US-Iran negotiations
In the United States, Trump stated at a White House event that US-Iran dialogue was progressing well and that more information was expected before the end of the day. He described Iran's move as "a bit too clever" and firmly stated, "They can't blackmail us." Trump had previously hinted that the two-week ceasefire agreement, which was set to expire on Wednesday, might not be extended, while emphasizing that the US blockade of Iranian ports would remain unchanged and that the US would resume military action if necessary.
Peace talks held last weekend in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, failed to reach an agreement, with a delegation led by US Vice President JD Vance and a team led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf unable to bridge their differences. Iran's Supreme National Security Council revealed that the Pakistani Army Chief of Staff, acting as an intermediary, conveyed a new US proposal to Iran, which is currently under review. Iran demands that the US abandon excessive demands and adjust its position based on the situation on the ground, while emphasizing its intention to maintain complete control over the Strait of Hormuz until lasting peace is achieved in the region. In the meantime, Iran will collect detailed information on passing vessels, issue transit certificates, and levy tolls.
Furthermore, the nuclear issue remains a major obstacle in the negotiations. Trump stated that the United States would work with Iran to recover materials related to Iran's nuclear program, including all its enriched uranium stockpiles, after the agreement is signed. However, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Khatibzadeh denied this, pointing out that the United States has not abandoned its extreme stance and Iran is not yet ready for a new round of face-to-face negotiations.
Regional Conflicts and Humanitarian Impacts
Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon has become increasingly uncertain. Israel and Lebanon reached a 10-day ceasefire agreement, but a French peacekeeper was killed and three others injured in an attack in the south. French President Macron and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon pointed the finger at Hezbollah, which Hezbollah denied. Pakistan's foreign minister pointed out that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been a key sticking point in US-Iran negotiations, and the Lebanese ceasefire was initially seen as a positive factor in advancing the agreement. However, Hezbollah did not participate in the negotiations, and Israeli forces still occupy parts of southern Lebanon, raising questions about its adherence to the ceasefire. In Beirut, many displaced families have begun returning to the south and the capital's suburbs, despite official warnings that they should only proceed after the ceasefire has stabilized.
The war with Iran has resulted in heavy casualties: at least 3,000 people have died in Iran, more than 2,290 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, more than a dozen in the Gulf Arab countries, and 13 American soldiers. During his trip to Africa, Pope Leo XIV stated that he had no intention of debating the war with Trump over Iran, but would continue to preach the Gospel message of peace, clarifying that his remarks were not directed at any specific individual, but reflected a broader ideal of peace.
Analysis of the potential impact on international oil and gold prices
The repeated opening and closing of the Strait of Hormuz has directly impacted the global energy market. This strait previously handled approximately one-fifth of the world's crude oil shipments; its disruption triggered the largest oil supply crisis in history, causing oil prices to surge. News of Iran closing the strait again could push up market risk premiums, especially given the ongoing US blockade and the fragile ceasefire agreement. If the conflict prolongs or military action resumes, international oil prices are expected to break through key psychological barriers again, potentially returning to above $100 per barrel. This would further increase global inflationary pressures and impact the economic recovery of energy-importing countries.
Meanwhile, gold prices, as a traditional safe-haven asset, exhibit a complex interplay of factors. On one hand, escalating geopolitical tensions often drive up gold prices due to safe-haven demand; on the other hand, the brief opening of the Strait of Hormuz caused oil prices to plummet by over 10%, easing inflation concerns and reinforcing market expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, thus pushing gold prices higher. Currently, gold prices are already in a high range. If the US-Iran negotiations make substantial progress and the Strait of Hormuz remains relatively stable, a pullback in oil prices may continue to support short-term upward movement in gold prices. However, if the situation deteriorates and triggers a wider conflict, oil prices may surge again, further increasing inflation concerns and expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike. This could put some downward pressure on gold prices in the short term, but gold's safe-haven attributes may limit the downside potential.
Overall, this event highlights the amplifying effect of Middle East geopolitical risks on commodity markets. Investors need to closely monitor the progress of subsequent US-Iran negotiations, the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, and actual shipping data. In the short term, oil price volatility will increase significantly, while gold prices may remain strong driven by both safe-haven demand and expectations of interest rate cuts. However, the long-term trend still depends on whether regional peace can be truly achieved and adjustments in the global energy supply and demand fundamentals. Market participants should remain cautious and prepare hedging strategies to cope with potential continued uncertainty.
- Risk Warning and Disclaimer
- The market involves risk, and trading may not be suitable for all investors. This article is for reference only and does not constitute personal investment advice, nor does it take into account certain users’ specific investment objectives, financial situation, or other needs. Any investment decisions made based on this information are at your own risk.
