Cairo: The US military vowed to blockade all Iranian ports starting Monday in an effort to force Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and accept a peace deal.
Iran responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, taking aim at US-allied countries.
That set the stage for an extraordinary showdown that posed serious risks for the global economy and raised fears of a collapse of the ceasefire and resumption of war. Talks aimed at ending the conflict — which began Feb. 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran — failed to reach an agreement over the weekend.
It was not clear if the blockade had begun when the designated time arrived. A notice to mariners issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said the restrictions covered the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure, while transit to non-Iranian destinations was not reported to be impeded.
Iran’s effective closure of the strait, through which about 20 percent of global oil passes, has already pushed oil prices sharply higher, increasing the cost of fuel and essential goods worldwide.
Tehran has allowed limited passage to some ships while imposing heavy fees, drawing accusations of holding the global economy hostage. Analysts, however, remain uncertain about the effectiveness and risks of enforcing a full blockade.
The US Central Command said the blockade would apply to vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports, covering both the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
US President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian naval activity near the blockade would be “immediately eliminated,” while claiming Iran’s navy had been largely neutralised.
Iran, in turn, issued strong warnings, saying security in the region “is either for everyone or for no one” and that no port would remain safe if tensions escalate.
The confrontation has already reduced shipping traffic through the strait, with far fewer vessels crossing compared to pre-war levels. Meanwhile, Brent crude prices rose sharply, reflecting growing market anxiety.
Global diplomatic efforts are continuing, with the UK and France planning talks to push for reopening the strait, while Pakistan and Turkey have indicated willingness to facilitate further negotiations.
Despite the ceasefire, major disagreements remain, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security issues, leaving uncertainty over what will happen when the truce expires later this month. (PTI)
