Anadolu Agency

Tankers and bulk carriers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026, following restrictions by Iran and a US naval blockade affirmed by President Trump. The US military seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship attempting to bypass the blockade, prompting Iran to reverse a brief reopening announcement and vow retaliation. Oil prices surged then partially reversed, amid the eighth week of the US-Israeli war against Iran.

The US Navy intercepted the Iranian-flagged, US-sanctioned cargo ship TOUSKA near the Strait of Hormuz following six hours of warnings that the crew ignored, disabling its propulsion by firing into the engine room. The vessel is now under US custody, with specifics like the intercepting ship and exact location disputed across reports. Broader claims of a US blockade, ongoing war, and oil price impacts remain unverified.

Bulgaria conducted its eighth parliamentary election in five years on Sunday, following the resignation of a conservative-led government amid anti-corruption protests. Former President Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria leads with approximately 44.7% of votes after over 91% counted, per partial results, potentially securing around 130 of 240 seats, though final outcomes and majority claims remain disputed. Radev described the result as a 'victory of hope' and expressed openness to forming a stable government.