Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued a stern warning that the country may close the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage, if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports. This statement was made on April 18, 2026, amid heightened tensions due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Concurrently, the U.S. Treasury Department has extended a waiver permitting countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products at sea for an additional month, until May 16, 2026. This decision comes as global energy prices have surged, prompting the U.S. to take measures to stabilize the market. Ghalibaf emphasized that the continuation of the blockade would influence the status of the Strait, indicating that access would require authorization from Iran. The geopolitical situation remains tense as both nations navigate the complexities of sanctions and military actions.