Iran threatens to block Red Sea if U.S. naval blockade persists

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s military issued a stern warning Wednesday, threatening to shut down commercial traffic through the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports.

In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, the head of Iran’s military central command warned that the U.S. effort to restrict Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers could lead to a collapse of the current ceasefire.

Ali Abdollahi, a senior official within the Iranian military command, said the Islamic Republic’s armed forces would not permit any exports or imports to move through the region’s strategic waterways if the restrictions remain in place.

The threat from Tehran follows an announcement Tuesday by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) that it has "completely halted" maritime trade to and from Iran. The blockade, which began Monday, targets all maritime traffic entering or exiting Iranian ports.

President Donald Trump ordered the naval operation on Sunday after weekend peace talks in Islamabad between U.S. and Iranian officials failed to produce an agreement. U.S. officials stated the blockade is being "enforced impartially" against vessels from all nations attempting to trade with Iran via the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Tracking data and military reports indicate the blockade has already had a significant impact. During the first 24 hours of the operation, no ships successfully breached the U.S. line. Six vessels reportedly complied with orders from U.S. naval forces to turn back toward Iranian ports.

Despite the heightened tensions, some maritime activity continues. Approximately 15 ships, including LPG and chemical tankers from China, India, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates, passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours. However, several other vessels that had reached the Gulf of Oman were forced to reverse course.

The U.S. Navy has established its primary enforcement line between Gwadar Bay and Ras al Hadd, a critical chokepoint for regional energy exports and global shipping.

GAROWE ONLINE