US Iran War News Live Updates: Two Indian ships come under fire in Strait of Hormuz after Iran reasserts control
The sun rises behind tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, Saturday, April 18, 2026. (AP Photo)
US Iran News LIVE: The prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran darkened on Saturday, April 18, as the Strait of Hormuz descended back into a combat zone. Hours after Iran rescinded its decision to reopen the waterway, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that gunboats linked to the IRGC opened fire on a commercial tanker. Additional reports indicate that at least two other merchant vessels were struck while attempting to navigate the passage.
This maritime escalation coincides with a chilling message from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who declared his navy is prepared to inflict “new bitter defeats” on enemies. The rhetoric underscores a deepening impasse; despite Pakistan’s mediation, sources in Tehran told Tasnim news agency that Iran has officially rejected a second round of negotiations, labelling US demands “excessive.”
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As the global economy braces for a renewed energy shock, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged Iran to reopen the strait, calling this a “critical diplomatic moment.” With the US-Iran ceasefire set to expire in three days, the window for a settlement is closing rapidly.
Iran-US war ceasefire: 5 key developments
- Gunfire at sea: UKMTO reports merchant vessels were fired upon by Iranian-linked gunboats without warning; crews are reportedly safe.
- Talks stall: Tehran informed Washington via Pakistani intermediaries that it will not attend a second round of negotiations.
- Supreme leader’s defiance: Mojtaba Khamenei warned of “bitter defeats” for adversaries, signalling a hardline military posture.
- British intervention: Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that restoring shipping passage is “urgent” for the global economy.
- Trump’s stance: The White House maintains the naval blockade remains in “full force” until a total “transaction” is completed.
What fraction of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz?
📌 Did you know? Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil transits the Strait of Hormuz, making it the single most critical oil chokepoint on Earth. Any sustained disruption directly impacts fuel prices across Asia, including India.
Which country brokered the ceasefire that prompted Iran to initially reopen the Strait of Hormuz?
📌 Did you know? The US deployed forces and initiated a blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into accepting a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire to end the war involving Israel, the US, and Iran.
How many LNG tankers from Qatar’s Ras Laffan were approaching the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, per ship-tracking data?
📌 Did you know? The five vessels — Al Ghashamiya, Lebrethah, Fuwairit, Rasheeda, and Disha — were moving eastward toward the strait. Two were destined for Pakistan, two likely for India. Disha is chartered by India’s Petronet LNG.
What percentage of Qatar’s LNG export capacity was knocked out by Iranian attacks?
📌 Did you know? Iranian attacks knocked out 17% of Qatar’s LNG export capacity. Repairs will sideline 12.8 million metric tons per year for three to five years. Qatar is the world’s second-largest LNG exporter.
What percentage of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket stockpiles did PM Netanyahu claim Israel had destroyed?
📌 Did you know? Netanyahu said Israel destroyed about 90% of Hezbollah’s stockpiles — but added that forces “have not finished yet.” He agreed to the Lebanon ceasefire at the request of US President Trump.
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