Hundreds of tankers stranded amid gunfire as Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz
Trump warns Iran that it cannot blackmail US with closure of Hormuz
Fox News is reporting rising tensions in the Middle East as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reaffirms its tight control over the Strait of Hormuz and opens fire on passing ships. Speaking from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump stated that the US naval blockade will remain in full effect. White House correspondent Alex Hogan provides updates on escalating diplomatic and military tensions.
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Hundreds of commercial tankers have been stranded on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran closed the critical crossing point on April 18, halting traffic and trapping crews amid gunfire and reports of “traumatic experiences” on board.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Strait of Hormuz is recognized as an international waterway over which ships have the right of transit passage under international law.
About one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, making it a critical transit point for global energy markets.
UK Merchant Marine Operations (UKMTO) said that on the same day, Iranian warships opened fire on a tanker, and a bullet hit a container ship and damaged the cargo.
STARMER AND MACRON ACCUSED OF ‘INTERESTING’ IN THE HORUZ STRAIT PLAN
“U.S. Navy guided missile destroyers were among assets conducting a blockade mission impacting Iranian ports,” U.S. Central Command said in a statement Tuesday. (CENTCOM)
Audio released by maritime monitoring group TankerTrackers appears to capture the moment a ship and its crew come under fire as they approach the strait; this included a distress call from a crew member.
“Sepah Navy! Motor tanker Sanmar Herald! You gave me permission to go… now you’re shooting. Let me go back!” In the recording, the crew member can be heard saying: Tanker Followers.
While Iranian state media confirmed that fire had been fired near the ships to force them to turn back, the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India said the external affairs minister was deeply concerned.
Hapag-LloydThe world’s fifth-largest container shipping company told Fox News Digital it had activated a crisis team because its crews were stuck on ships in the region.
“We have been working with the entire crisis team from Friday afternoon until today to get the ships out – unfortunately in vain,” said Nils Haupt, senior manager of group communications at Hapag-Lloyd AG.
“These events can easily lead to traumatic experiences. There is also a serious risk from sea mines, making it almost impossible to insure the passage of ships through the Bosphorus.”
LISA DAFTARI: HORMUZ WHIPLASH PROVES THAT TEHRAN DOES NOT COMPLY WITH ANY AGREEMENTS IT SIGNED
“The team is doing well, but they are becoming increasingly impatient and irritable. It is very unfortunate that we cannot leave today,” he added. “Many ships are still stranded in the Persian Gulf.”
“Six of our ships are anchored near the port of Dubai and the entire crew hopes the situation will improve,” Haupt said. he said.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on April 18 that the strait would remain closed until the United States lifted the blockade on Iranian ports, warning ships not to leave their anchorages or risk being viewed as “enemy” collaborators.
Iran has previously argued that restrictions on oil exports and transportation amount to “economic war” and that actions in the Strait of Hormuz are framed as a response to external pressure on its economy, according to statements made by Iranian officials and state media on past events.
“Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy and any ship that violates will be targeted,” the Revolutionary Guard said in a statement carried by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
WHEN TENSIONS WITH IRAN INCREASED, TRUMP ORDERED THE BLOCKAGE OF THE STRAIT OF HORmuz
In the background, fishing boats point out to sea as cargo ships sail through the Persian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo)
The US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in an attempt to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait, while US Central Command said the measures were being applied “neutrally against all ships”.
Hapag-Lloyd said its ships were stuck for weeks after the initial shutdown following the start of the war with Iran on Feb. 28.
Haupt said, “It is critical for us that our ships can pass through the Bosphorus as soon as possible.”
“We offer all our crew members unlimited data so they can video call their loved ones and access entertainment. The crew is strong, but after weeks on board, monotony and frustration mount.”
“One of the crew experienced a fire on the ship due to bomb fragments. Others saw missiles or drones near their ship,” he added.
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“They are resilient, but each day makes it harder, more monotonous and more stressful.”
President Donald Trump said Iran agreed not to close the strait again, but after the closure, Trump called the situation “blackmail” and said the United States would not back down.
