Tensions have escalated as Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Cryptocurrencies, which trade over the weekend, experienced a collective plunge. As of the latest update, Bitcoin has fallen by more than 1.7%. In the past 24 hours, over 180,000 cryptocurrency traders have been liquidated.
Iran stated that the Strait of Hormuz was closed starting on the evening of the 18th. The Public Relations Department of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy announced that evening that multiple vessels had passed through the strait the previous day under its command and coordination. However, due to the United States violating the ceasefire agreement and failing to lift the blockade on Iranian vessels and ports, the strait would be closed effective that night until the blockade is removed.
Iran issued a warning that all vessels located in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are prohibited from leaving their berthing areas. Any approach toward the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and violating vessels will become targets.
The statement also notified all vessels and their owners to obtain information solely through official Iranian channels, describing former US President Donald Trump's remarks regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf as "completely lacking in credibility."
Iran stated it will monitor and control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz until the war is completely over and lasting peace is achieved in the region. According to a report from Iran's Fars News Agency on the 18th, the Secretariat of Iran's Supreme National Security Council issued a statement on the latest developments in negotiations with the US, expressing Iran's determination to maintain supervision.
The declaration indicated that if the enemy adheres to the ceasefire agreement on all fronts, the Strait of Hormuz will be temporarily and conditionally opened before the ceasefire period ends. All vessels must operate under the control and permission of the Iranian armed forces and follow routes designated by Iran.
Iran will implement supervision and control through the following measures: receiving complete information from transiting vessels; issuing passes according to regulations published by Iran; and requiring relevant vessels to pay fees related to security, safety, and environmental protection services, while complying with the published routes.
Furthermore, if the enemy attempts to interfere with vessel passage through measures such as a maritime blockade, Iran will consider it a violation of the ceasefire and will prevent the conditional and limited opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement also mentioned that during a recent visit by the Pakistani Army Chief to Tehran, the US side presented new proposals. Iran is considering these proposals but has not yet responded.
The US military claimed it has "completely severed" Iran's economic trade by sea. According to US Central Command on April 18, the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney is conducting patrols in relevant waters to support the maritime blockade operation against Iran, stating the action has fully cut off Iran's seaborne economic trade.
British media reported that shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has once again stalled. According to UK shipping publication Lloyd's List, shipping through the strait came to a standstill on the evening of the 18th. Earlier, radio communications warned that the Iranian armed forces had resumed "strict management and control" over the strait. The warnings were heard and confirmed by multiple vessels in the related waters.
On the same day, British maritime security firm Pioneer Technologies released a report detailing attacks on three vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, involving one oil tanker, one cruise ship, and one container ship. Two of the vessels were explicitly warned and fired upon by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The other container ship was hit by an unidentified projectile 25 nautical miles northeast of Oman, resulting in damage to some containers.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister stated that Iran will not supply enriched uranium to the United States. On the evening of the 18th, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that in response to statements by the US President, Iran will not transfer any enriched uranium to the US.
He stated that while Iran is willing to address any reasonable concerns, it will not accept unacceptable demands.
He also noted that Iran is seeking to finalize a framework agreement before holding face-to-face talks. Furthermore, as part of negotiations with the US, a "new code of conduct" will be established for the Strait of Hormuz, which will continue to remain open and ensure safety for all civilian passage.
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