WASHINGTON: In the countdown to the Gulf blockade, the United States military announced that it will begin blocking all Iranian Gulf ports on Monday at 1400 GMT.
This move effectively places U.S. forces in control of maritime traffic in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated in a post on X that the blockade would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations that are entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal regions. This includes all Iranian ports located along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
However, the United States clarified that it would not interfere with the freedom of navigation for ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz if they are traveling to or from non-Iranian ports.In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards asserted that Iranian security forces maintain full control over the Strait of Hormuz.
They warned that any adversary making a “wrong move” would be caught in what they described as a “deadly vortex,” signaling a strong and potentially aggressive reaction to the U.S. action. Iran’s Navy Chief, Shahram Irani, dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s blockade threat as “ridiculous and funny,” according to Iranian state television.
He further stated that Iran’s military is actively monitoring and supervising all movements of what he described as the “aggressive American army” in the region.Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the recent weekend negotiations, declared that Iran would not yield to pressure or threats.
He emphasized that if the United States chooses confrontation, Iran is prepared to respond in kind, but if approached with logic, it would respond rationally. He firmly added that Iran would not bow to any threats and challenged opponents to test Iran’s resolve again.
The geopolitical tension has also impacted global oil markets. Following the collapse of peace talks and the announcement of the blockade, oil prices surged sharply. The U.S. benchmark crude oil rebounded above $100 per barrel on Monday.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery rose by approximately eight percent to $104.50 per barrel shortly after trading began, while the international benchmark Brent crude for June delivery climbed seven percent to reach $102 per barrel.