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Iran Warns of Retaliation if US Port Blockade Persists Amid Hormuz Rules

Iran has warned it will take reciprocal measures if the United States continues its maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports. The country's Foreign Ministry spokesperson clarified that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be allowed only along a pre-determined route. Separately, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy stated all vessels require its permission to pass, with civilian ships restricted to designated routes. The strategic waterway, crucial for global oil and gas shipments, had been obstructed following earlier US-Israeli airstrikes.

Key Points: Iran Threatens Reciprocal Action Over US Port Blockade

  • Iran threatens reciprocal action over US blockade
  • Sets conditions for Strait of Hormuz transit
  • IRGC Navy requires permission for all ships
  • Strait is critical global oil chokepoint
2 min read

Iran warns of reciprocal action if US blockade on its ports continues

Iran warns of reciprocal measures if US maritime blockade continues, sets conditions for Strait of Hormuz shipping. Details on new IRGC Navy rules.

"If the maritime blockade of Iran's ports continues, Iran will take reciprocal measures. - Esmaeil Baghaei"

Tehran, April 18

Iran has warned that it will take reciprocal measures if the United States continues its maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports, even as it outlined conditions for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei offered clarification on an earlier statement by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Al Jazeera reported, citing the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

According to Al Jazeera, Baghaei said that "Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be allowed along a pre-determined route by Iran." He added, "If the maritime blockade of Iran's ports continues, Iran will take reciprocal measures," and asserted that "Iran is the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz and will show leniency where necessary."

Separately, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy detailed conditions for vessels seeking to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported.

As per Al Jazeera, it stated that all ships would require its permission to pass, with civilian vessels allowed only through designated Iranian routes, while military vessels remain barred from transit.

"Movements will only be permitted with the permission of the IRGC Navy", it added, as per Al Jazeera.

"This movement is in line with the agreement on the period of silence on the battlefield and after the implementation of the Lebanese ceasefire," the IRGC Navy Command added in a statement, according to Al Jazeera.

The announcement comes after Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who had earlier said on X that passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire was "completely open".

"In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran," Aragchi wrote on X.

The strategic waterway had been obstructed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following joint US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on February 28.

As a conduit for 20 per cent of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas, the disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has had significant global economic repercussions, impacting supply chains and energy prices worldwide.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The US needs to stop acting like the world's police. Their constant pressure on Iran is destabilizing the whole region. India should maintain its independent foreign policy and continue engaging with Tehran for our energy security.
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Aman W
This is a dangerous game. Iran saying it's the "guardian" of the strait and controlling all movement... feels like they're holding global trade hostage. The international community needs a permanent solution, not these temporary ceasefires.
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Sarah B
Reading this from an Indian perspective, our government must be proactive. We have strong ties with both the US and Iran. Maybe we can use our position to help mediate? Another spike in oil prices will hit every common person's pocket.
K
Karthik V
The article mentions the blockade started after US-Israel airstrikes. The root cause needs to be addressed. Endless retaliation helps no one. India should fast-track its renewable energy plans to reduce dependence on such volatile regions.
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Varun X
Respectfully, Iran's conditions seem contradictory. First they say passage is "completely open," then that all ships need IRGC Navy permission. This lack of clarity is itself a problem for shipping companies. Clarity is needed for smooth trade.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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