Iran’s military on Wednesday warned it could block trade through the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman if the US naval blockade of Iranian ports continues.
The head of Iran’s military central command, speaking via state television, said the “powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not allow any exports or imports to continue” in these strategic waterways.
He added that Iran would “act decisively to defend its national sovereignty and its interests.”
Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the country’s top operational command coordinating its armed forces, said that continued US actions creating “insecurity for Iran’s commercial vessels and oil tankers” could be considered a violation of the ceasefire.
He reiterated that Iran’s armed forces would block trade in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea if necessary. No specific countries’ trade was identified, though the areas mentioned cover a vast region.
The US blockade began on Monday. By Wednesday, the US military reported that “no ships made it past the blockade” in the first 24 hours, with six merchant vessels forced to turn back in the Gulf of Oman.
The ceasefire was announced on April 8 after nearly six weeks of conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel.
A first round of talks failed, though US President Donald Trump claimed discussions could restart within days. Iran is yet to confirm this.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said exchanges between Tehran and Washington are “continuing” via a Pakistani intermediary. He stressed that Iran’s position remains firm despite the breakdown of direct negotiations. Baghaei noted that Pakistan may host a delegation to continue detailed talks on the positions of both countries.
Rejecting US accusations, Baghaei reiterated that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons and described its nuclear program as “peaceful.” On Uranium enrichment, he said Iran “must be able to continue enrichment based on its needs” but added that discussions on the type and level of enrichment remain possible.
Baghaei also said recent talks in Pakistan addressed a “complete cessation” of the war, the protection of Iran’s rights, lifting sanctions, and compensation for war-related damages, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency.
