Iran has issued a strong warning that it could restrict maritime trade routes, including the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman, if the United States maintains its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
According to a statement broadcast on state television, Ali Abdollahi, who heads the country’s central military command centre, said continued US actions targeting Iranian commercial ships and oil tankers could escalate tensions and potentially breach existing ceasefire conditions.
He stressed that Iran’s armed forces would not allow trade activities to proceed in key regional waterways if the blockade persists, adding that the country is prepared to take firm action to protect its sovereignty and economic interests.
The warning follows the imposition of a US naval blockade earlier this week after negotiations between United States and Iran in Pakistan failed to yield an agreement to ease ongoing tensions.
Despite the blockade, maritime tracking data suggests that some vessels departing from Iranian ports have successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports from Tasnim News Agency also indicate that commercial shipping operations from Iran’s southern ports have continued, with ships reportedly heading to multiple international destinations within the last 24 hours.
The situation highlights rising tensions in a region critical to global oil supply and international trade.
- IG/@the_piaz
- AFP