Iran warns vessels: approaching Strait of Hormuz will be treated as cooperation with the enemy as closure persists

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to ongoing Iran–U.S. tensions, with both sides asserting control over the chokepoint and the global oil trade.

An Iranian naval commander reportedly warned the U.S. Navy of a 'hard blow' if Iranian vessels are attacked, and reiterated warnings to vessels approaching the Strait.

In separate notices, the IRGC Navy said approaching vessels would be targeted and urged ships to follow IRGC updates only; it asserted that U.S. President Donald Trump's claims about the waterway have no validity.

Hours after the warning, two Indian-flagged tankers, Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald, were fired at by Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels were reportedly carrying Iraqi oil.

The fresh warning came as a shaky ceasefire in West Asia was due to end on Wednesday, suggesting rising tension ahead of the ceasefire’s expiration.

The Iranian Navy reportedly ordered vessels to remain at anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman and to follow updates issued by the IRGC only.

The IRGC Navy warned that any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz would be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the offending vessel would be targeted, according to AFP.

Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz was completely closed again, and no vessel of any type or nationality would be allowed to pass through the strait.

Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz had reopened following a prior closure.

On April 18, 2026, Iran reversed its reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and fired on ships attempting to pass, in retaliation for the United States continuing its blockade of Iranian ports. The Strait was declared closed until the U.S. blockade is lifted. Iran's Revolutionary Guard navy warned that no vessel should move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and that approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be treated as cooperation with the enemy and be targeted.

The article notes that US President Donald Trump stated the blockade of Iran's ports 'will remain in full force' until Tehran reaches a deal, reflecting ongoing disputes over sanctions and access.

An Iranian naval commander warned the US Navy of a 'hard blow' if Iranian vessels are attacked, and issued warnings to vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC message indicated the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the US naval blockade of Iranian ports is in place.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy directed vessels and their owners to remain at anchorage in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman and to only follow updates issued by Sepah News; it also stated that US President Donald Trump's claims have no validity.

Two Indian-flagged tankers, Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald, were fired at by Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels were reportedly carrying Iraqi oil.

Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz completely closed again and warned that no vessel of any type or nationality would be allowed to pass through the strait. The warning instructed ships to remain at anchorage and to follow only updates issued by Sepah News.

Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz was reopened, a day before reports of renewed closure surfaced.

The article notes that the Strait of Hormuz has been in focus since the Iran-US war began in February, elevating attention to the chokepoint amid ongoing hostilities.