Tehran: Iran issued stark warnings on Monday targeting ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman just hours after the US military announced enforcement of a blockade on all Iranian ports and coastlines effective immediately, as President Donald Trump’s move intensifies tensions with Tehran and threatens to boost oil prices while risking fresh hostilities in the region.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) aired the response: “Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for NO ONE.” A statement from Iran’s military and Revolutionary Guards added, “NO PORT in the region will be safe.”
US Central Command (CENTCOM) detailed the operation starting Monday at 10 AM EDT (5:30 PM Iran time), applying equally to ships of any nation entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal zones, encompassing all facilities on the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf) and Gulf of Oman. Yet CENTCOM noted passage remains open for vessels moving between non-Iranian ports via the strait, according to the Associated Press.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported the news froze the modest shipping revival in the strait after the ceasefire. Marine trackers indicated more than 40 commercial vessels had navigated it since the truce, versus 100 to 135 per day before fighting erupted.
Talks Collapse In Pakistan Amid Nuclear Standoff
This comes after extended US-Iran ceasefire discussions in Pakistan ended in deadlock on Saturday.
US Vice President JD Vance attributed the breakdown to Iran’s refusal of US calls to stop nuclear weapons work, during the marathon 21-hour talks over the weekend. The US military disclosed two destroyers had traversed the strait for mine-clearing prep—the first since war’s outset—though Iran contested the account.
Wrapping up early on Sunday, the face-to-face session marked the top direct engagement between the adversaries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Trump pinned the impasse on Iran’s nuclear pursuits, reiterating to Fox News possible strikes on civilian sites unless the program ends.
The blockade targets Iran’s ongoing oil exports of millions of barrels since hostilities began, often via sanctions-dodging “dark” fleets. It also challenges Tehran’s sway over the Strait of Hormuz, a pre-war chokepoint for 20% of world oil flows.
A US clampdown risks further chaos in energy markets, analysts said. Oil benchmarks leaped in initial trade: US crude climbed 8% to $104.24 per barrel, Brent crude 7% to $102.29 — from about $70 before the late-February war ignited by US-Israeli attacks.
Iran seeks reparations for strike damages plus unfreezing of its seized assets.
