Iran’s military has warned that it could shut down key international shipping routes, including the Red Sea, the Gulf, and the Sea of Oman, if the United States continues its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, the head of the military’s central command centre said Iran would retaliate if the blockade persists and disrupts its maritime activities.
“The powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea,” said Ali Abdollahi.
He further cautioned that if the US continues to “create insecurity for Iran’s commercial vessels and oil tankers”, it would amount to “a prelude” to violating the ceasefire.
Iran also warned that it would “act decisively to defend its national sovereignty and its interests”.
The United States reportedly imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports on Monday after talks between both countries over the weekend in Pakistan failed to produce an agreement to end the ongoing tensions.
However, maritime tracking data on Tuesday showed that several vessels departing Iranian ports managed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency, quoting unnamed sources, also reported that shipping activities from southern ports have continued.
It added that Iranian “commercial vessels have set sail for various destinations around the world” within the last 24 hours.
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