In a day of high drama in the Strait of Hormuz, one Indian-flagged oil tanker successfully crossed the strategic waterway on Saturday, while at least four other Indian vessels turned back after Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats opened fire. India summoned the Iranian envoy to lodge a strong protest.
The developments came as Iran reversed course on reopening the strait, reimposing restrictions and accusing the US of violating a deal.
Top Developments: April 18, 2026
| Development | Details |
|---|---|
| Indian Vessel Crosses | Desh Garima (SCI tanker) successfully crossed; 10th India-flagged vessel since early March |
| Four Vessels Turn Back | Sanmar Herald, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, Jag Arnav reversed course after IRGC gunfire |
| IRGC Opens Fire | Tanker reported being approached by two IRGC gunboats and fired upon near Oman |
| India Summons Iranian Envoy | Strong protest lodged with Ambassador Mohammad Fathali |
| Iran Reimposes Restrictions | Strait of Hormuz closed again; US blockade remains in effect |
| Trump’s Warning | “Iran cannot blackmail us” with flip-flopping on the strait |
Indian Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz
| Vessel Name | Operator | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Desh Garima | Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) | ✅ Successfully crossed |
| Sanmar Herald | Sanmar Shipping | ❌ Turned back |
| Desh Vaibhav | Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) | ❌ Turned back |
| Desh Vibhor | Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) | ❌ Turned back |
| Jag Arnav | Great Eastern Shipping Company | ❌ Turned back |
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a tanker reported being approached by two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats and fired upon about 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. This may have prompted the Indian vessels to turn back.
India Summons Iranian Envoy
India on Saturday summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali after two Indian vessels had to reverse course following the firing incident. A strong protest was lodged with the ambassador over the incident.
There was no official word yet on the details of the meeting, but authoritative sources confirmed the summoning.
Iran Reimposes Restrictions on Strait of Hormuz
Iran swiftly reversed course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on the critical waterway after the US said the move would not end its blockade.
The country’s joint military command said that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state — under strict management and control of the armed forces.” It warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect.
Trump’s Warning: ‘Iran Cannot Blackmail Us’
US President Donald Trump warned Iran not to “blackmail” Washington with its flip-flopping on the fate of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We’re talking to them. They wanted to close up the strait again — you know, as they’ve been doing for years — and they can’t blackmail us,” Trump said at a White House event.
Earlier, Trump had said there was “some pretty good news” regarding Iran but declined to elaborate.
Ceasefire and Diplomatic Efforts
- Ceasefire Expiration: The ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is due to expire on Wednesday. Trump said he may not extend it, but the blockade “is going to remain.”
- Pakistan’s Role: Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir concluded a three-day visit to Tehran as part of efforts to end the war.
- Turkey’s Assessment: Turkish Vice-President Cevdet Yilmaz said US-Iran negotiations will take time, adding that “comprehensive negotiations will take some time.”
Other Key Developments
- UN Peacekeepers Attacked: One French UN peacekeeper was killed and three injured in southern Lebanon; Hezbollah is the suspected perpetrator.
- Lebanon-Israel Talks: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun discussed preparations for the first direct negotiations with Israel in decades.
- US Enforces Blockade: Since the US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, 23 ships have complied with US forces’ orders to turn back toward Iran.
- Iran Reopens Airspace: Iran partially reopened its airspace to international flights crossing the eastern part of its territory.
