Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point today, April 18, 2026, as the Iranian military officially announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes less than 24 hours after the waterway was briefly declared "open" during a fragile ceasefire. The Iranian military command stated that the strategic passage has now "returned to its previous state" due to the United States' refusal to lift a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Impact on Global Energy and Crypto Markets
The sudden escalation triggered an immediate reaction across global financial markets. WTI Crude Oil prices, which had softened during the brief reopening, quickly pumped back to the $83/barrel mark. Simultaneously, the risk-off sentiment hit the digital asset space hard; Bitcoin (BTC), which had been testing major resistance levels, saw a sharp correction down to $76,000.
Why the Strait of Hormuz is Closed Again
According to a statement published via the state-backed Fars media outlet, the Iranian military accused the U.S. of "banditry and piracy" by maintaining its blockade despite the temporary tru...
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