Iranian forces issued a direct threat to disrupt shipping across key waterways. The move came in response to a US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to blockade Iranian ports on April 13, 2026. US Central Command enforced the action against all vessels entering or leaving Iranian coastal areas in the Strait of Hormuz.
The blockade followed failed peace talks in Islamabad. US officials stated that the operation aimed to pressure Iran into reopening the strait and accepting a deal. The Navy deployed aircraft carriers, destroyers, and amphibious groups to carry out the mission.
Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, a commander with Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, responded on April 15. He declared that continued US actions would violate the ceasefire.
Abdollahi stated through the semi-official Mehr News Agency: “If the aggressive and terrorist America continues its unlawful actions of maritime blockade in the region and creates insecurity for Iranian commercial ships and oil tankers, this action will be considered a prelude to violating the ceasefire, and the powerful Armed Forces of Iran will not allow any kind of export and import to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea.”
Iranian officials added that security in the region was “either for everyone or for no one” and warned that no port would remain safe.
The threat extended to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the Red Sea entrance. Analysts noted Iran could direct Houthi allies to disrupt traffic there. Meanwhile global shipping firms reported higher risks and halted some routes. Saudi Arabia urged the US to ease the blockade over fears of broader energy disruptions.
