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Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz, Demands US End Naval Blockade

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy has declared the Strait of Hormuz blocked, stating it will not reopen until the United States lifts its naval blockade on the waterway. The IRGC accuses the US of violating ceasefire commitments and warns all vessels that any approach to the strait will be considered hostile cooperation. This escalation follows tightened Iranian control over the strait since late February and the collapse of peace talks. Despite Iranian assurances the strait would stay open during the truce, US President Donald Trump insists the blockade remains in full force.

Key Points: Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz, Escalating US Tensions

  • Strait of Hormuz blocked by Iran
  • Demand to end US naval blockade
  • Warning to vessels against movement
  • Ceasefire violations cited
2 min read

Iran's IRGC says Strait of Hormuz blocked, demands end to US naval blockade

Iran's IRGC announces Strait of Hormuz is blocked, demanding the US lift its naval blockade and warning vessels against movement.

"any approach to the strait would be deemed 'cooperation with the enemy' and targeted accordingly - IRGC statement"

Tehran, April 19

The Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said that the Strait of Hormuz has been blocked since Saturday evening and will not reopen until the United States lifts its naval blockade on the waterway.

In a statement carried by its official news outlet Sepah News, the IGRC said that the move came after the United States violated its commitments under the two-week ceasefire, which took effect on April 8, and failed to end its naval blockade against Iranian vessels and ports, Xinhua news agency reported.

The IRGC Navy called on all vessels and their owners to follow official updates via its channel and VHF Channel 16, the international maritime distress, safety, and calling frequency. The statements by US President Donald Trump hold no credibility in the strait and the Gulf, it added.

The IRGC warned that no vessel should move from its anchorage in the Gulf or the Gulf of Oman, and any approach to the strait would be deemed "cooperation with the enemy" and targeted accordingly.

Iran had tightened control over the strait since February 28, when it barred passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States after the two countries' joint strikes on Iranian territory. The United States later imposed its own blockade on the waterway after peace negotiations with Iran in Pakistan's Islamabad collapsed.

On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the strait would remain "completely open" to commercial shipping during the current truce with the United States, in line with the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

However, Trump said Friday the US naval blockade would "remain in full force," noting that the United States would not lift it until the country makes a deal with Iran. He then said Saturday that Iran cannot "blackmail" the United States with the strait.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand Iran's frustration with the US blockade, blocking the strait hurts ordinary people and economies worldwide the most. It will directly impact fuel prices in India. There has to be a better way to resolve disputes than holding global trade hostage.
R
Rohit P
The US consistently violates agreements and then acts surprised when other nations react. Trump's statement about "blackmail" is ironic. The US naval blockade itself is an act of coercion. Hope our External Affairs Ministry is working on contingency plans for our oil imports.
S
Sarah B
From a maritime safety perspective, this is a nightmare. Telling vessels not to move from anchorage and threatening them is against international law. The Indian Navy should be on high alert to assist Indian-flagged vessels in the region if needed.
V
Vikram M
This is the problem with superpower politics. The common man suffers. Petrol prices are already high, and this will make it worse. Both the US and Iran need to step back. Where is the UN in all this?
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I have to criticize Iran's move here. It's a disproportionate response that affects neutral countries like India the most. We have historic ties with Iran, but this action undermines regional security. Dialogue, not blockade, is the only way forward.
A
Aditi

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

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