Iran warns of possible shutdown of key maritime trade routes including the Red Sea.
Iran has warned it could shut down key global shipping routes in the Red Sea, the Gulf, and the Sea of Oman if the United States continues its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television on Wednesday, the head of the military’s central command said the ongoing US restrictions on Iranian maritime activity could trigger a major escalation.
Ali Abdollahi said if Washington continues what Tehran describes as a blockade and “creates insecurity for Iran’s commercial vessels and oil tankers,” it would amount to “a prelude” to violating the ceasefire agreement.
“The powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea,” Abdollahi said.
He added that Iran would “act decisively to defend its national sovereignty and its interests,” signalling a potential disruption to some of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
The United States imposed the naval blockade on Iranian ports on Monday following unsuccessful talks with Iran over the weekend in Pakistan aimed at ending ongoing hostilities.
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However, despite the reported restrictions, maritime tracking data on Tuesday suggested that several vessels departing Iranian ports had still managed to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency also reported on Wednesday that shipping activity from southern Iranian ports had continued, quoting unnamed sources familiar with the situation.
According to the report, Iranian commercial vessels “have set sail for various destinations around the world” within the past 24 hours, indicating that maritime movement has not completely stopped despite the heightened tensions.
The developments raise fresh concerns over global energy supply routes, as the affected waterways are vital corridors for international oil and trade shipments.
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