India, April 18 -- Just a day after announcing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran on Saturday slammed it shut again, sending oil prices and in turn the world economy into yet another spiral.

Iran has blamed the US for the latest closure, saying that Washington's continued blockade of the Islamic Republic's ports, something Donald Trump said would continue until a deal is signed, was the reason behind the decision.

At least two merchant vessels reported they were hit by gunfire as they attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Reuters reported, citing three maritime security and shipping sources, shortly after Iran said it was once more tightening control of the waterway.

Iran had announced its temporary reopening of...