‘Will Completely Block Gulf Trade If…’: Iran's Big Warning Amid US Naval Blockade Of Hormuz

Tehran: Iran on Wednesday threatened to choke off trade routes across the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Red Sea if Washington continues its naval blockade on Iranian ports, sharply escalating tensions even as diplomatic efforts to extend the US-Iran ceasefire are ongoing.

In a stern warning, Ali Abdollahi, the commander of Iran’s joint military headquarters, said that Tehran would respond forcefully if the blockade remains in place. 

“Iran will act decisively to defend its sovereignty and national interests,” Abdollahi said, according to Iranian state media. He warned that if Iranian ships are prevented from entering or leaving ports, Tehran could retaliate by halting all regional imports and exports.

The commander of Iran's joint military command warned that Iran would completely block exports and imports across the Persian Gulf region, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea if the US military does not lift its blockade.

"Iran will act with strength to defend its national sovereignty and its interests," Ali Abdollahi said, adding that the blockade is “a prelude to violating the ceasefire.”

US Blockade of Hormuz

The threat comes after the US started blocking vessels headed to or departing from Iranian ports, while insisting that commercial shipping bound for other Gulf states would not be affected. 

According to American officials, the blockade is aimed solely at cutting off Iran’s maritime trade and does not restrict broader navigation in the Gulf.

Reports have also indicated that the Pentagon is sending nearly 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East. Around 6,000 are aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its escort ships, while another 4,200 troops from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive later in April. These reinforcements will join roughly 50,000 US personnel already stationed in the Gulf region, the Washington Post reported.

Trump Promises To Open Hormuz

In another Truth Social post by Donald Trump, the US President said that he is opening up the Strait of Hormuz “permanently,” also mentioning that China, will be “very happy” at this decision.

Trump said that this is a quid-pro-quo for Beijing saying that since Xi agreed not to send weapons to Iran at the former's insistence, he is doing it for China, as well as for the world. The US President even went on to express that he expects a “big, fat, hug” from President XI Jinping when the two meet for talks in some weeks.

“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also - And the World. This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran. President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well!" Trump mentioned.

Efforts At Mediation

As Islamabad readies for the second round of talks beteen Iran and the US, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran. His high-stakes visit is seen as a final-hour attempt to resuscitate peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran after the "Islamabad Talks" last week ended without any breakthrough.

General Munir was accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi; they were received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

According to Iranian state media and diplomatic sources, the delegation carried a specific new message from the United States that was intended to outline a framework for the second round of high-level negotiations.

Before the ceasefire comes to an end on April 22, talks are hanging on three main sticking points - Iran's nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for wartime damages. Meanwhile, Pakistan Amry Chief Field Marshall Asim Munir has rushed to Tehran with a message from US, in hopes to extend the ceasefire and hold the second round of talks between Iran and US in Islamabad.

ALSO READ: 'Permanently Opening Hormuz': Trump Announces Amid US Naval Blockade, Says 'Happy' Xi Will Give Him 'Big, Fat, Hug'