Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei Says Navy Ready To Inflict 'Bitter Defeats' After Reimposing Hormuz Curbs

Last Updated:April 18, 2026, 17:12 IST

Iran’s military command said the control of the Strait of Hormuz has "returned to its previous state" due to the continuing US blockade.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a defiant message, saying the country’s navy was ready to inflict “new bitter defeats" on enemies, as multiple vessels reported gunfire while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran reimposed restrictions.

In a message on his Telegram Channel on Iran’s Army Day, Khamenei said, “Iran’s valiant navy is ready to inflict new bitter defeats on its enemies." He also praised the Iranian military’s defence of Iran against the US.

Earlier today, Iran’s military command on Saturday said the control of the Strait of Hormuz has “returned to its previous state" because of the continuing blockade of Iranian ports by the US. Merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have received a radio message from the Iranian navy that the shipping lane is shut again.

ALSO READ: Iran’s ‘Mosquito Fleet’ Tightens Grip On Hormuz With Small, Hard-To-Track Boats: What Is It?

Merchant Ships Fired Upon

At least two merchant ships attempting to cross the waterway said they were hit by gunfire, three maritime security and shipping sources told Reuters. Maritime trackers had earlier shown a convoy of eight tankers transiting the strait in the first major movement of ships since the war began on February 28, after Iran reopened the lane following the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.

Around 20 ships set to cross the Strait of Hormuz were turned back toward Oman after Iran’s military said that the waterway was closed. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that it has recorded a gunfire incident near the strait northeast of Oman, but the tanker and its crew are reportedly safe, as per Sky News.

The convoy that had formed appears to have dispersed by now, as per tracking data from the platform MarineTraffic.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had cited “some pretty good news" about Iran, but he also said fighting might resume without a peace deal by Wednesday, when a two-week ceasefire expires.

Trump further said the US Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz would remain despite Iran reopening the critical waterway, but he may not extend it. “Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to remain. But maybe I won’t extend it, so you’ll have a blockade and unfortunately we’ll have to start dropping bombs again," he added.

A second round of talks is expected in the Pakistani capital on Monday, with envoys hoping to end the war that was started by the US and Israel on February 28. Trump appeared convinced that a deal could be finished shortly.

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