Hormuz Crisis: Iran Blocks Strait, Attacks Indian Tankers, Trump Warns Against 'Blackmail'
Fast facts
- Category: Middle East
- Language: EN
- Published: 2026-04-18 15:15 UTC
- Sources: Middle East Eye, Times of Israel
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated sharply as Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned ships near the strait would be treated as targets, and Iran's security council declared it would hold the strait until 'the war fully ends.' Two Indian oil tankers came under fire while attempting to cross, prompting India to formally protest. Trump said there were 'very good conversations going on' with Iran but warned the US would not let Iran 'blackmail us,' while also stating Iran 'got a little cute' — Middle East Eye reports Iran's parliament speaker claimed the US backed down after a minesweeper threat, a characterization not confirmed by Washington. Egypt's FM said Cairo and Islamabad are working on a 'final agreement' between Iran and the US.