The Iranian authorities have stated that they could halt the movement of commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea if the United States continues the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and pressure on Iranian maritime shipments.
According to representatives of the Iranian military command, such measures would be a response to threats against the security of Iranian tankers and commercial vessels, writes the BBC.
The head of Iran’s central army headquarters, General Ali Abdollahi, stated that further naval blockade could be considered a violation of the ceasefire regime.
In this case, he said, Iran “will not allow any export or import” through the key waterways of the region.
The United States previously began restricting the movement of Iranian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after talks between the parties failed to reach an agreement.
Washington declares its intention to control the passage of vessels linked to Iran, whereas Tehran calls these actions illegal and provocative.
Iran’s statements concern strategically important maritime routes through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and goods supplies pass. Experts note that further escalation could lead to serious disruptions in global logistics and a rise in energy prices.
Amid the escalation, attempts for diplomatic resolution continue. Options for extending the truce and conducting new rounds of negotiations are being discussed, but no specific agreements have been reached yet.
