Iran Condemns US Naval Blockade Plan, Calls It ‘Piracy’

Iran warns US blockade of ports amounts to piracy

Iran’s armed forces have denounced the United States’ plan to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports, declaring the move illegal and tantamount to piracy. The warning came hours before US Central Command (CENTCOM) was set to begin enforcing restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports.

In a statement broadcast on state television, Iran’s military command centre, Khatam al‑Anbiya, said: “The restrictions imposed by criminal America on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal and constitute an example of piracy.” The statement added that if Iran’s ports in the Gulf and Arabian Sea were threatened, “no port in the region will be safe.”

CENTCOM has confirmed that the blockade will be applied “impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.” It stressed that freedom of navigation would not be impeded for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non‑Iranian ports.

The announcement follows the collapse of US–Iran talks in Pakistan, which dashed hopes of a swift settlement to end the war that erupted in late February. Despite the threats, the ceasefire agreed last week between the US, Israel, and Iran remains in place, with no immediate signs of renewed fighting.

Oil markets reacted sharply to the blockade plan. Prices surged nearly 8 percent on Monday, with both WTI and Brent benchmarks climbing above $100 a barrel, reflecting fears of disruption to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

International reaction has been swift. China’s Foreign Ministry urged both sides to avoid reigniting conflict, stressing that the Strait of Hormuz must remain secure and open for global trade. Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles criticized the US move as “nonsensical,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not join the blockade, insisting the UK “is not getting dragged” into the US‑Israel war on Iran.

The escalating rhetoric underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the risks posed to global energy security should the blockade be enforced.