Hundreds of tankers stranded amid gunfire as Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, halting maritime traffic and leaving hundreds of commercial tankers stranded, with crews reporting gunfire and traumatic experiences onboard.
• The Strait of Hormuz is a vital international waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, making the closure a significant disruption to global energy markets.
• Iranian gunboats fired on vessels attempting to pass through the strait, prompting distress calls and damage to cargo, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps warned ships against moving from anchorage under threat of being targeted.
• The U.S. has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait, enforcing measures impartially against all vessels, while shipping companies like Hapag-Lloyd report crews stuck onboard for weeks amid growing frustration and safety risks.
• Iran frames its actions as a response to economic warfare due to foreign restrictions on its oil exports, escalating tensions and complicating efforts to resolve the maritime standoff.