Iran’s military asserts that the US’s planned blockade in international waters is illegal and constitutes an act of piracy, raising concerns about the safety of Gulf ports.
The Iranian military strongly denounced the United States’ announced naval blockade of vessels in international waters, branding it illegal and an example of piracy. This condemnation followed a threat that no Gulf ports would be safe if Iran's ports were targeted. The US military announced it would begin enforcing a blockade of all Iranian ports on Monday, triggered by collapsed peace talks between the involved nations. President Donald Trump amplified the threat via social media, demanding Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade route. The Iranian army stated that if Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea face security threats, no port in those waters would be considered safe. The failed talks between the US, Israel, and Iran highlighted the ongoing conflict's impasse and its significant global economic impact. Despite the heightened tensions and threats, a ceasefire established last week has maintained stability, with no immediate resumption of hostilities. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, vital for global oil and gas shipments, remains restricted, with Iran primarily allowing access to vessels from friendly countries like China. The announcement led to a significant jump in oil prices, climbing almost 8% on Monday, with benchmark WTI and Brent contracts surpassing $100 a barrel. The US Central Command clarified that the blockade would apply impartially to vessels of all nations, excluding vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports. Trump’s stated goal involved clearing mines and reopening the strait to all shipping, while simultaneously stressing that Iran should not profit from controlling the waterway. Notably, China, a key US rival and major Iranian oil importer, also voiced its criticism of the US plan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Strait of Hormuz’s security and unimpeded flow for the international community. DATA: The US restrictions on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal, Iranian military says.
✨ This report was generated by AI News Assistant.
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