Tehran warned it could target Gulf trade beyond the Strait of Hormuz, saying US actions were putting the ceasefire at risk
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenAgenciesPublished: 1:04am, 16 Apr 2026Iran’s military threatened on Wednesday to shut down Red Sea trade unless the US lifted its naval blockade on Tehran’s ports, saying the ceasefire was at risk.
State media reported that the commander of Iran’s joint military command warned that Iran would completely block exports and imports across the Persian Gulf region, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea.
“Iran will act with strength to defend its national sovereignty and its interests,” said Ali Abdollahi.
He added that the US blockade is “a prelude to violating the ceasefire.”
Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz when Israel and the United States launched strikes against it more than a month ago. The United States on Monday began blockading ships trying to enter or leave Iranian ports and said it would not impede the freedom of navigation of other vessels in the Persian Gulf.
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