Iran Claims the Strait of Hormuz is Blocked and Demands Removal of American Naval Blockade
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) navy declared that the Strait of Hormuz had been blocked since Saturday night, April 18, and would not reopen until the United States lifted their naval blockade on this maritime route.
>> Commercial ship passage in the Strait of Hormuz is “fully open”
>> Australian Prime Minister welcomes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
>> Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz if the American blockade continues
Strait of Hormuz.
Photo: Xinhua/VNA/CVN
In a statement conveyed by its official news outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC stated that this action was taken after the United States violated their commitments under the two-week ceasefire that came into effect on April 8, and failed to end their naval blockade on Iranian ships and ports.
The IRGC Navy urged all ships and ship owners to follow official updates on its channel and on VHF 16, the international radio frequency for maritime safety and distress calls.
The IRGC warned that no ship should leave its anchorage in the Gulf or the Gulf of Oman, and any approach to the strait would be considered “cooperation with the enemy” and dealt with accordingly.
Iran had tightened its control over the strait since February 28, when it prohibited the passage of ships belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States after joint strikes by the two countries on Iranian territory. The United States then imposed its own blockade on this maritime route after peace negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan failed.
On Friday, April 17, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the strait would remain “fully open” to commercial navigation during the current ceasefire with the United States, in line with the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon.
However, on Friday, April 17, Trump affirmed that the American naval blockade would remain “fully in force“, emphasizing that the United States would not lift it until an agreement was reached with Iran. He later stated on Saturday, April 18, that Iran could not “blackmail” the United States with the strait.
Xinhua/VNA/CVN
