Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amidst Rising Tensions with the U.S.

Iran temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, for live-fire military drills, escalating tensions with the United States. This action occurred as negotiators from both countries held indirect talks in Geneva regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Escalation of Tensions

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport – handling approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply – marks the first announced closure by Iran since the U.S. Increased its military presence in the region and threatened stronger action against Iran. This move is seen as a significant escalation in a weeks-long standoff that carries the risk of wider conflict in the Middle East. Source

Military Drills and Negotiations

During the closure, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched cruise missiles in the Strait as part of a maritime drill. State television broadcast the exercises. The drills were described as a show of force and a demonstration of Iran’s capabilities. Source

The talks in Geneva were indirect, with both sides meeting separately with mediators. The focus of the negotiations was solely on Iran’s nuclear program, excluding discussions on domestic policies, including the recent crackdown on protests. Source

U.S. Response and Concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened the use of force to compel Iran to constrain its nuclear program, and Iran has indicated it would retaliate. The increased U.S. Military presence in the Persian Gulf, intended to pressure Iran into a latest nuclear deal, appears to have unnerved Iranian officials. Source

The temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz raises concerns about potential disruptions to the global oil supply and the broader economic impact. Historically, disruptions to passage through the Strait have led to significant spikes in oil prices. Source

Recent Statements

Ali Khamenei’s representative in the Kayhan newspaper, Hossein Shariatmadari, recently called for a missile strike on the U.S. Naval fleet in Bahrain and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to ships from the United States, Britain, Germany, and France. Source

Looking Ahead

The situation remains volatile, and further escalation is possible. The outcome of the negotiations in Geneva, and the continued U.S. Military presence in the region, will be key factors in determining whether tensions de-escalate or continue to rise. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.