Iran Slams US Naval Blockade as ‘Maritime Piracy’, Warns of Strong Response in Strait of Hormuz

Tehran, April 2026 : Iran on Monday strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose restrictions on vessel movement in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the proposed naval blockade an illegal act and a case of “maritime piracy.”

Reacting to the announcement by Donald Trump to enforce the blockade starting Monday evening (IST), Iranian military officials asserted that the move violates international norms and threatens regional stability. Tehran maintained that it reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and maritime interests.

Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Central Headquarters ‘Khatam al-Anbia’, stated that safeguarding Iran’s legal rights remains a fundamental responsibility of its armed forces. He emphasized that Iran will continue to ensure security within its territorial waters without compromise.

“Enemy-affiliated vessels do not have and will not have the right to cross the Strait of Hormuz,” Zolfaghari said, adding that other vessels complying with Iranian regulations would be allowed safe passage. He also indicated that Iran is prepared to implement a long-term mechanism to maintain strict control over the strategic waterway.

The Iranian military issued a stern warning, stating that any threat to the security of its ports in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman would have far-reaching consequences. “If our ports are not safe, no port in the region will remain secure,” the spokesperson cautioned, signaling potential escalation if tensions worsen.

The strong reaction comes a day after the US Central Command announced a sweeping maritime blockade targeting all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports. The decision follows stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran over key issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.

According to CENTCOM, the blockade will apply to maritime traffic across the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, though ships transiting to non-Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz would not be obstructed. The enforcement is set to begin at 7:30 pm IST on Monday.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, carries a significant portion of global energy supplies. Any disruption in this region has immediate implications for international trade and energy markets.

With both sides adopting increasingly hardline positions, the situation underscores rising geopolitical tensions in the region, raising concerns over potential conflict and its impact on global stability.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)