Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz: Iran Announces Sharp Response
Tensions are escalating in the Middle East as Iran threatens a severe response to U.S.-imposed maritime restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. General Ali Abdollahi warned that if the safety of Iranian tankers is compromised, Tehran may halt all export-import operations across the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea. While the U.S. claims its blockade has been effective since April 13, a BBC Verify investigation suggests the restrictions are not absolute, as several ships continue to pass through the strait.
Photo: EPA/Shutterstock / Image of the Strait of Hormuz installed in a square in Tehran
The geopolitical situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly tense. Disputes between Iran and the US over the naval blockade have entered a new stage. Mutual accusations between Tehran and Washington could pose a serious threat to peace in the region. Zamin.uz team presents the most important details of this sharp process BBC based on reports from.
The General's Stern Warning
General Ali Abdullahi, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, expressed his position regarding US actions. According to him, if Washington continues the naval blockade and compromises the safety of Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers, it will be regarded as a violation of the current truce.
Speaking about Tehran's response measures, General Abdullahi threatened to halt all export-import operations in the following areas:
- Persian Gulf;
- Gulf of Oman;
- Red Sea.
Although these waterways are considered the main trade arteries in the region, the Iranian side has not specified which countries these restrictions would apply to.
US Restrictions and Failed Negotiations
As a reminder, starting from April 13 of this year, the United States began restricting the movement of Iranian ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This strict decision was caused by the fruitless conclusion of bilateral talks held in Pakistan over the weekend.
US military officials emphasized that within the first 36 hours of restrictions, not a single ship managed to break through the blockade, and six commercial vessels were forced to change their course.
Contradictory Information and the Actual Situation
Despite Washington's statements about a "total blockade," investigations by the BBC Verify department show a different picture. According to them:
- Total ships passed — 15
- Ships related to Iran — 9
- Blockade start date — April 13
These figures indicate that the blockade is not as absolute as claimed and some ships are still using the Strait of Hormuz.
Dear readers, do you think this confrontation between Iran and the US could turn into a large-scale war? How would the closure of sea routes affect the global economy?
Be among the first to know news from the world's hottest spots Zamin.uz with.
Comments 0
…