Apr 13 (V7N) – The United States has announced a blockade of all ports in Iran starting Monday, following the collapse of recent Washington-Tehran peace talks in Islamabad.

According to Al Jazeera, the US Central Command stated that the blockade will apply to “all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports.” This includes vessels from all countries operating in Iranian coastal waters, including the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

However, US forces clarified that ships transiting to non-Iranian destinations will still be allowed to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz.

The blockade is set to take effect at 10:00 am local time on Monday (8:00 pm Bangladesh time), the US Central Command said.

US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning, stating that the US Navy would “blow up” any Iranian forces that attack American ships and would seize vessels that pay transit tolls to Iran.

In response, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would “not give in” to such threats. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any advancing military vessels would be seen as a violation of the existing ceasefire between the two countries, which is expected to remain in effect until April 22.

The IRGC also cautioned that “stern measures” would be taken if such actions occur, raising concerns about further escalation despite the temporary ceasefire.

END/SMA/AJ