15/04/2026
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15/04/2026
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TEHRAN, Apr 15: Iran has warned it could shut down trade routes across key regional waterways if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, according to state media reports.
Ali Abdollahi, a senior Iranian military commander, said Tehran would “completely block” exports and imports across the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea if the blockade is not lifted. He described the U.S. move as a threat to Iran’s sovereignty and a potential violation of the ceasefire.
The warning comes after the U.S. began blocking ships entering or leaving Iranian ports earlier this week, while maintaining it would not interfere with freedom of navigation for other vessels in the Persian Gulf. Iran had already effectively restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz following joint strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces last month.
Separately, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran remains open to discussions over its nuclear program, including the level and type of uranium enrichment. However, he stressed that Iran must retain the ability to continue enrichment activities based on its national needs.
