Update: See latest report from Daily Caller at bottom: “Iran Fires On Tanker As Peace Negotiations Slug Along”

Peloni:  There is no diplomatic measure which will gain sway over the Iranians.  They mean to demonstrate this clearly, and Trump gave them every opportunity to do so…The question remains to be seen if Trump has the resolve to enforce the terms which, if they had been agreed upon, a latter president would have to enforce at a later date.  Negotiations will not resolve the threat from Iran.  It will only perpetuate the threat in place to challenge a later administration.

Iran is once again demonstrating that, in practice, it holds significant control over the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway can be opened or effectively closed, at Tehran’s discretion, reinforcing its role as a central lever of power.

It is important not to misread Iran’s current… https://t.co/4vSBbWbWa3

— Danny (Dennis) Citrinowicz ,???? ??????????? (@citrinowicz) April 18, 2026

Text:

Iran is once again demonstrating that, in practice, it holds significant control over the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway can be opened or effectively closed, at Tehran’s discretion, reinforcing its role as a central lever of power.

It is important not to misread Iran’s current response to American pressure as restraint or weakness. The prevailing assumption in Tehran is that while there may be an opportunity for negotiations, Iran will not accept a situation in which it is strategically constrained or economically “besieged.”

To make this point, Iran is likely to gradually raise the costs for the international community. An initial step could involve renewed disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, using it as a pressure tool to force Washington, and others, to ensure the continued flow of maritime traffic on terms more favorable to Tehran.

This approach, alongside public criticism from figures like Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, offers a clear indication of where power currently resides within Iran. It underscores that hardline elements remain firmly in control, shaping both the country’s external posture and its internal decision-making.

Iran Restricts Hormuz Strait Again, Fires On Tanker As Peace Negotiations Slug Along

The Iranian military reimposed significant restrictions over the Strait of Hormuz and fired on a tanker attempting to pass through Saturday, only one day after the Islamic regime declared the waterway to be “open.”

Officials in Iran reimposed “strict control” of the Strait early Saturday after President Donald Trump signaled the U.S.’s blockade would continue until a peace deal was reached, according to NBC News. The Iranian military criticized the blockade as a violation of the deal to reopen the Hormuz, The Associated Press reported.

As ships were being forced to turn around, two Iranian gunboats reportedly fired on at least one British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz attempting to transit the route, according to the Wall Street Journal. No injuries were reported while U.S. forces in the region tracked actions by Iranian naval assets.

The White House did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

Iranian officials opened the Strait on Friday as peace negotiations between the Islamic Republic and the United States continued. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that the Hormuz would only be opened during the ceasefire, while Trump said that the blockade on Iran would be enforced.

The commander in chief also told reporters Friday aboard Air Force One that Iran had agreed to “everything,” including the removal of enriched uranium from the country, though Iranian officials swiftly issued a denial hours later.

“Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again. It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World,” Trump posted on Truth Social at the time.

Trump also told reporters he had “good news” on Iran and that negotiations were continuing, while hinting at more talks. The president did warn, however, he would likely not extend the ceasefire and that aerial attacks could resume in the event a peace deal wasn’t struck by the deadline.

“Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to remain. But maybe I won’t extend it, so you have a blockade, and unfortunately, we’ll have to start dropping bombs again,” Trump said.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.