Iran Closes Hormuz Strait Again, Two Pertamina Tankers Stranded
Iran closed the Hormuz Strait again on Saturday (April 18th) after having reopened it just a few hours earlier. As a result, two tankers owned by PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), the Pertamina Pride and the Gamsunoro, remain stuck in the Arabian Gulf area and haven't been able to pass through the strait. PIS says it's continuing to monitor the rapidly changing situation in the region.
The company stressed that its top priority is the safety of the crew and cargo. PIS is also in close coordination with various related parties, including ministries and authorities, and is preparing safe navigation plans. PIS Corporate Secretary, Vega Pita, expressed hope that conditions along the shipping route will soon improve and stabilize.
This closure came even though Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, had previously stated that the shipping route for all commercial vessels through the Hormuz Strait was fully open. The Iranian military said the decision to close it again was made because the United States continues to block ships from entering and leaving Iranian ports.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/04/