Iran says US blockade of its ports could breach ceasefire and threatens wider shipping disruption
The Facts
- Iran's military warned that it would block trade through the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea if the US naval blockade on Iranian ports continues.
- The warning was attributed to Major General Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central command headquarters.
- Iran said continued US blockade measures and insecurity for Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers would be a prelude to violating the ceasefire.
- Multiple reports say the US naval blockade of Iranian ports began on Monday.
- The Iranian military warning was carried or broadcast by Iranian state media or state television.
- Iran has formally denounced the blockade as a violation of its sovereignty, with its UN ambassador calling it a 'grave violation' of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Context
What exactly did Iran threaten to do?
Iran's military said that if the US blockade continues and creates insecurity for Iranian commercial ships and oil tankers, Iran's armed forces would not allow exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea New Indian Express,Deutsche Welle,Straits Times.
Why is Iran linking the blockade to the ceasefire?
Iranian military officials said the US naval blockade would amount to a "prelude" to violating the ceasefire if it continues and affects Iranian shipping, framing the maritime pressure as incompatible with the truce theepochtimes.com,New Indian Express,Interfax.ru.
What is known about the US blockade itself?
Several reports say the United States began blockading ships trying to enter or leave Iranian ports on Monday; one AP-based report added that Washington said it would not impede the freedom of navigation of other vessels in the Persian Gulf News18,Deutsche Welle,India TV News.
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