Iran: Attacks on ships reported as Strait of Hormuz recloses

Iran has blamed the US for breaching the ceasefire agreement by sustaining a blockade on its maritime facilities. At the same time, a French peacekeeper was fatally injured in southern Lebanon. DW provides a summary of key events from Saturday, April 18, 2026, concerning the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and broader Middle East tensions.

Strait of Hormuz Incidents

UK Maritime Trade Operations disclosed a second incident involving a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, following Iran’s announcement to close the critical waterway. The attack occurred 25 nautical miles northeast of Oman, where an unidentified projectile struck a container ship, causing damage to its cargo units.

Earlier that day, UKMTO noted that two Iranian gunboats fired at a tanker passing through the strait. Minutes later, another event was reported 3 nautical miles east of Oman, with a cruise ship captain describing a nearby splash.

UNIFIL Peacekeeper Attack

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed that its personnel faced small-arms fire from non-state groups in southern Lebanon, resulting in one fatality and three injuries, two of which were severe. The attack happened during a patrol to dismantle explosives in Ghandouriyeh village.

“UNIFIL condemns this deliberate strike on peacekeepers carrying out their assigned duties,” the force stated. “Explosive ordnance disposal teams are essential in the mission’s operational zone, particularly after recent conflicts.”

UNIFIL initiated an internal investigation, noting that “early findings suggest the gunfire originated from non-state actors, likely Hezbollah.” The force urged the Lebanese government to expedite an inquiry to identify those responsible.

French President Emmanuel Macron declared that a French peacekeeper was killed in the attack, assigning blame to Hezbollah. “All evidence points to Hezbollah as the perpetrator,” he tweeted. “France demands immediate arrests of those involved and that Lebanon assume shared responsibility.”

Peace Talks Delayed

Iran’s deputy foreign minister stated that no date has been set for upcoming US-Iran negotiations brokered by Pakistan. “The date will only be established once a framework is finalized,” Saeed Khatibzadeh said during a speech at a Turkish diplomatic gathering in Antalya. “Our goal is to ensure the talks align with international law and avoid a pretext for renewed conflict.”

He emphasized that Tehran would not tolerate exceptions to global regulations in any discussions. “All commitments will adhere to international law,” he reiterated, underscoring the importance of legal compliance in diplomatic efforts.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack on French UN peacekeepers, vowing to launch a probe. “I have issued strict orders for an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances and hold the perpetrators accountable,” he said on X.

A UNIFIL representative shared details with French AFP, confirming an incident in Ghandouriyeh involving their peacekeepers. However, no specifics were given about the attack’s nature or casualties.

The Israeli military announced it had killed individuals in Lebanon for crossing a “yellow line,” marking the first mention of this threshold in recent operations.