US Central Command has implemented a blockade of Iranian ports, stating it has “completely halted” the nation’s economic sea trade. This blockade began on Monday, and by Wednesday, the US military reported that “no ships made it past the blockade” in the first 24 hours, though six merchant vessels were forced to turn around in the Gulf of Oman. The US blockade has reportedly put a halt to most of Tehran’s economic activity within just a day and a half. However, the blockade does not apply to the vital Strait of Hormuz, where some commercial traffic is still passing.
Despite the blockade, Iran’s military has issued strong warnings. Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, the commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters—Iran’s highest operational command—described the blockade as “illegal.” Abdollahi stated that if the US continues this action, it would be viewed as a violation of the existing ceasefire agreement. According to reports, if the US continues the blockade and creates “insecurity for Iran’s commercial vessels and oil tankers,” it will “constitute a prelude to a violation of the ceasefire.”
Following this, Abdollahi warned that Iran’s armed forces would consequently not allow “any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea.”
Concerns about potential de-escalation are rising, as a senior US official told the BBC that discussions on extending the two-week ceasefire with Iran are ongoing. The current ceasefire is set to expire next week, on April 22nd. While there is continued engagement between the US and Iran to reach a deal, the official noted that the United States has not formally agreed to an extension. Earlier, Iranian state media had cited reports about a ceasefire extension as unconfirmed.
The blockade was announced amid a backdrop of fluctuating talks. The US-Iran ceasefire was initially announced on April 8th, following nearly six weeks of conflict. While the first round of negotiations between the two nations had previously failed, Donald Trump suggested that talks could restart in the next two days, though Iran has yet to confirm this.
Ultimately, Abdollahi made it clear that the continuation of the blockade, which he deems illegal, could trigger a drastic response by Iranian forces across multiple bodies of water, including the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea, regardless of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.