Iran threatens to block the Red Sea if the American blockade of Iranian ports continues and considers that the blockade may constitute a violation of the ceasefire.
If the United States maintains the naval blockade and “creates unsafe conditions for Iran’s commercial ships and tankers,” this would constitute “the prelude” to violating the truce, which has been in effect since April 8, said General Ali Abdollahi, head of the Iranian armed forces command.
“The powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not allow any exports or imports in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea,” according to his announcement broadcast by Iranian media.
Strait of Hormuz: How the US naval blockade is implemented and the dangers from Iranian mines
Donald Trump warned through a post on his Truth Social platform that any Iranian ship approaching the area would be destroyed, sending a clear message of deterrence. According to the blockade terms, ships are prohibited from heading to or departing from Iranian ports, essentially covering Iran’s entire coastline extending toward the Straits. In case of violation of the prohibition, ships face the risk of interception by American forces operating in the area.
Regarding how the naval blockade is implemented in practice, there are only leaks for security reasons. These report that at least 15 American warships participate in the naval blockade, whose exact position is not known.
According to the specialized ship tracking website Marine Traffic, an American warship gave its position on the inner side of the Straits. Also, it’s possible that not all American warships in the area participate in the naval blockade or participate gradually.
At the same time, little is yet known about the commercial ships crossing the Straits. Reuters provides information that three ships connected to Iran passed through the Straits, but they did not go to Iranian ports, so the blockade doesn’t “catch” them.
Meanwhile, some ships hide their signals, cargo information, and which ports they’re heading to. These are issues that the Americans implementing the blockade will need to check.
According to information, a Chinese ship has passed through the point, which was among the first, if not the first, to “test” the American prohibition. However, it reportedly loaded from the UAE and not from Iran.
