Iran has threatened to target ports across the Middle East after the United States announced a plan to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, escalating tensions and raising concerns over global oil supply and regional stability.
The US military said the blockade would take effect Monday, aiming to increase pressure on Tehran amid stalled ceasefire negotiations. In response, Iranian authorities warned that no port in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman would remain secure if the move is enforced.
Iranian state media quoted military officials as saying regional maritime security would either be ensured for all or for none, signaling possible retaliation.
The US Central Command said the blockade would apply to vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports, though ships traveling between non-Iranian ports would still be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement has already disrupted limited shipping activity in the strait that resumed after a ceasefire, with vessel movement remaining significantly lower than pre-war levels.
The development follows failed US-Iran talks held in Pakistan over the weekend. US officials said negotiations broke down after Iran refused to accept conditions related to its nuclear programme, while Tehran demanded compensation for damages from earlier strikes and the release of frozen assets.
The blockade is expected to put further pressure on Iran’s oil exports, including shipments that reportedly bypass sanctions through covert routes. It may also impact global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz previously handled about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Oil prices rose sharply following the announcement, with both US crude and Brent crude registering notable gains.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has said it will not participate in any US-led blockade, emphasizing efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and avoid deeper involvement in the conflict.
Senior Iranian officials have issued strong warnings of retaliation, with one adviser saying the country has significant means to counter any blockade. Iran’s parliamentary speaker also cautioned Washington against escalation, saying Tehran would respond if attacked.
Although Iran maintains that the strait remains open for civilian vessels, it warned of a firm response to military presence in the area.
Despite recent high-level talks—the most significant since Iran’s 1979 revolution—both sides remain far apart on key issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear programme. The US has demanded strict limits, while Iran has rejected what it calls excessive conditions.
There is still no clarity on what will happen after the current ceasefire expires on April 22, though diplomatic efforts to resume dialogue are ongoing.
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its programme is for peaceful purposes, despite ongoing international concerns.