Iran Threatens All Arab Ports Over Trump's Hormuz Blockade

Iran’s military has warned that no ports in the Gulf will be safe if their own ports are threatened. This is in response to the threat from United States President Donald Trump regarding a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which will be carried out by the Washington military on Monday (13/4/2026) at 21.00 WIB.

Iran’s military also stated that the US navy’s blockade is illegal and equivalent to piracy. Iran will provide a harsh response to that action.

“The criminal restrictions imposed by America on navigation and maritime transit in international waters are illegal and constitute an example of piracy,” said Iran’s military command centre, Khatam Al-Anbiya, as read on state television, reported AFP.

“If the security of the ports of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea is threatened, no ports in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe,” it added.

Previously, in his statement on the Truth Social platform, Trump emphasised that the US military would soon begin the process of blockading ships passing through that strategic route. The US will not allow ships to pass.

“Starting now, the United States Navy will blockade all ships attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, quoted by CNBC International on Monday.

Nevertheless, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the blockade operation is more limited than Trump’s initial statement, where ships heading to non-Iranian ports are still allowed to pass. This step reduces the chances of achieving peace between Iran and the US in the near future, while also exacerbating the global economic crisis.

The Strait of Hormuz itself is a vital route through which around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. Thus, disruptions in the region can directly drive a surge in energy prices.