Hormuz Whipsaw: Strait Status Flips Five Times in a Week

The Strait of Hormuz swung between open and closed five times this week as U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian officials traded public statements over the world's most critical oil chokepoint. Sunday, April 12: Trump posts on Truth Social that the U.S. will impose a full naval blockade after talks in Islamabad collapse following 21 hours of negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance. Status: CLOSED. Monday, April 13: CENTCOM says the U.S. Navy blockade begins at 10 a.m. ET. Brent jumps above $95. Status: CLOSED. Wednesday, April 15: Brent trades erratically around $94–$95 as enforcement continues. Status: CLOSED. Thursday, April 16: The Pentagon says 13 ships have been turned back. Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine holds a press briefing. Status: CLOSED. Friday, April 17: Iran's foreign minister, Araghchi, says on X that the strait is "completely open". Trump thanks Iran but says the U.S. blockade will remain "until transaction 100% complete." Oil slides more than 10% in a single session. Status: OPEN. Saturday, April 18: Iran reimposes restrictions after Trump maintains the blockade. IRGC gunboats fire on a tanker. Status: CLOSED AGAIN. In normal conditions, roughly 20% of global oil supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz.