Trump Slams Iran’s ‘Cute’ Tactics as Gunfire in Hormuz Hits Indian Tankers: Why a Global Shipping Crisis is Looming

4 min readUpdated: Apr 18, 2026 11:26 PM Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated sharply on Saturday after Iran reimposed restrictions on the critical waterway and fired on a commercial tanker, raising fears of a fresh energy shock and renewed conflict with the United States, even as diplomatic efforts continue ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline. US President Donald Trump also hardened Washington’s stance, asserting that Iran would not be allowed to pressure the United States through disruptions in the vital oil route.
“We have very good conversations going on,” Trump said at a White House event. Referring to Tehran’s latest moves, he added, Iran “got a little cute. They wanted to close up the strait again; they can’t blackmail us.”
Trump also reiterated that the US naval blockade targeting Iran would continue the blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran agrees to a deal with Washington, including on its nuclear programme.
Dismissing Iran’s proposal to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, he said, “Nope. No way. No. Nope… No, they’re not going to be tolls.”
Iran reverses course, fires on tanker in Hormuz
Iran abruptly reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, announcing that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces”.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), two gunboats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker and its crew were reported safe, though the vessel was not identified.
Shipping disruption quickly followed:

TankerTrackers.com said vessels were forced to turn around, including an Indian-flagged supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of oil.
The US military said 23 ships have been turned back since the blockade began.
Iran signalled that transit would now be tightly controlled, including permits, tolls and designated routes.

The Strait of Hormuz handles around 20% of global oil shipments, making it one of the most sensitive chokepoints in global trade.Story continues below this ad
US preparing to board and seize Iran-linked ships worldwide
A report The Wall Street Journal reveals that the US is preparing a significant escalation at sea. According to US officials cited the publication, the military is planning to board and seize Iran-linked oil tankers and commercial ships in international waters andoperations could extend beyond the Middle East, targeting vessels globally. It added that the move is part of a broader strategy dubbed “Economic Fury”.
General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said, “The US will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran.”
He added the campaign would include “dark fleet vessels carrying Iranian oil,” referring to ships evading sanctions and regulations.
The report further said the US has already turned back 23 ships near Iranian waters, while Washington is expanding sanctions targeting Iran’s oil trade networks.Story continues below this ad
Saturday’s escalation underlines rapidly shifting and often contradictory signals:

Iran had announced on Friday that the strait was open.
Within hours, it reimposed restrictions and opened fire on a vessel.
The US is simultaneously tightening its blockade and expanding enforcement globally.
Yet both sides continue to signal ongoing negotiations.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said it would maintain control over Hormuz until, “the war fully ends and lasting peace is achieved in the region”.
It also warned that the strait would not fully reopen unless the US lifts its naval blockade.
India among those impacted
India has already been drawn into the fallout as two Indian-flagged vessels were forced to reverse course after gunfire following which New Delhi summoned Iran’s ambassador, expressing “deep concern”.Story continues below this ad
Talks continue, but deadline looms
Despite the escalation, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Pakan is mediating talks between the US and Iran even as a ceasefire is set to expire on April 22.

Question 1 of 6
What share of global oil shipments passes through the Strait of Hormuz?

AAround 10%
✗ Not quite. The actual figure is far higher.

BAround 15%
✗ Close, but the strait carries a larger slice of global supply.

CAround 20%
✓ Correct. About one-fifth of all global oil shipments pass through the strait.

DAround 30%
✗ The figure is lower — around 20%.

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Question 2 of 6
How many ships has the US military turned back since the Hormuz blockade began?

A12 ships
✗ The count is higher than this.

B17 ships
✗ Not the figure cited the US military.

C23 ships
✓ Correct. The US military confirmed 23 vessels have been turned back.

D35 ships
✗ The actual figure is 23, per US military statements.

Next Question →

Question 3 of 6
What conditions did Iran announce for vessels wishing to transit the Strait of Hormuz?

APermits, tolls, and designated routes
✓ Correct. Iran signalled transit would require permits, payment of tolls, and use of designated routes.

BFull closure to all commercial vessels
✗ Iran announced strict control, not a full closure — transit conditions were specified.

CMandatory weapons inspections
✗ Weapons inspections were not announced. The conditions relate to permits, tolls, and routes.

DSpeed and cargo restrictions only
✗ The announced measures also included permits and tolls, not just operational restrictions.

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Question 4 of 6
Which country is currently mediating talks between the US and Iran ahead of the ceasefire deadline?

AOman
✗ Oman has mediated US-Iran talks in the past, but not in this instance.

BQatar
✗ Qatar is not the mediator in these specific ceasefire negotiations.

CTurkey
✗ Turkey is not playing the mediator role in these talks.

DPakan
✓ Correct. Pakan is currently mediating ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran.

Next Question →

Question 5 of 6
How many barrels of oil was the Indian-flagged supertanker carrying when it was forced to reverse course?

A500,000 barrels
✗ The cargo was significantly larger than this.

B1 million barrels
✗ The vessel was carrying twice this amount.

C1.5 million barrels
✗ Close, but the reported figure is 2 million barrels.

D2 million barrels
✓ Correct. TankerTrackers.com reported the vessel was carrying 2 million barrels of oil.

Next Question →

Question 6 of 6
when is the US-Iran ceasefire set to expire, according to current reports?

AApril 20
✗ That date has already passed. The deadline is later.

BApril 21
✗ One day off. The deadline is April 22.

CApril 22
✓ Correct. The ceasefire deadline is set for April 22, with Pakan mediating ongoing talks.

DApril 25
✗ The deadline is sooner — April 22.

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Your score on the Strait of Hormuz quiz

The Strait of Hormuz — through which about 20% of global oil flows — is at the centre of a rapidly escalating standoff. Iran reimposed restrictions, fired on a tanker, and signalled tolls and permits for passage. The US has turned back 23 ships and is planning to board Iran-linked vessels globally. A ceasefire deadline looms on April 22, with Pakan mediating.

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Latest on the ceasefire, Hormuz, and Trump’s next move →

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