US Military Begins Blockade of Iranian Ports Amid Ceasefire
Tokyo (ANTARA) - The United States (US) on Monday (13/4) began a naval blockade against all maritime traffic entering or exiting Iranian ports amid a ceasefire.
This action increases the likelihood of both countries being drawn into a new confrontation around the Strait of Hormuz and threatens the continuation of the temporary ceasefire.
The blockade was confirmed by US President Donald Trump, while speaking to reporters in Washington. The decision was taken after high-level talks between the US and Iran over the weekend ended without a breakthrough.
Trump stated that the move aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to lower global petrol prices and pressure Iran to return to the negotiating table. He emphasised that he would not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons.
Speaking at the White House, Trump expressed confidence that Iran would agree to abandon its nuclear ambitions. He added that the appropriate parties in Iran had contacted the US that morning and expressed a desire to reach an agreement.
“We cannot allow a country to blackmail or threaten the world, because that’s what they are doing. They are really blackmailing the world. We will not let that happen,” Trump said.
The closure of the strait, combined with the impact of the failed peace talks, has driven sharp rises in petrol, food, and various commodity prices worldwide.
Earlier on Monday, Trump again threatened via social media that any Iranian warships approaching US vessels during the blockade operation would be immediately destroyed.
The US Central Military Command stated that the blockade is enforced without discrimination against ships from all countries entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Last week, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire. However, the two countries remain at odds over the terms of the agreement.
Iran has reacted strongly to the latest US threats. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard forces warned that any military ship approaches towards the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire and will be firmly addressed.
Source: Kyodo