Washington, United States – Web Desk: The United States has formally initiated a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, marking a major escalation in tensions between United States and Iran.
According to a statement from the United States Central Command, all maritime traffic դեպի and from Iranian ports will be restricted under the new measures. The statement clarified that vessels from any country will not be permitted to access Iranian ports or coastal areas.
However, ships transiting through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz en route to destinations other than Iran will not be obstructed, ensuring limited continuity in global shipping lanes.
In a separate statement, US President Donald Trump claimed that American forces had destroyed 158 Iranian naval vessels. He further asserted that Iran’s naval capabilities had been significantly degraded, describing its fleet as effectively “at the bottom of the sea.”
Trump also warned that any remaining Iranian fast-attack vessels approaching the blockade zone would be immediately targeted. He compared the potential action to previous US operations against maritime drug trafficking networks.
The US president additionally claimed that 98.2% of narcotics entering the United States via maritime routes had been successfully intercepted.
The blockade comes shortly after diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran, hosted in Islamabad, concluded without a breakthrough.
Experts warn that the move could have far-reaching implications, not only for Iran’s already strained economy but also for global energy markets. Disruptions to oil shipments and commercial shipping in the region could trigger volatility in international markets and increase geopolitical risk.
