POLITICS

Iran condemns US naval blockade as ceasefire violation

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Iran has condemned a United States naval blockade of its ports as illegal and a violation of a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire, according to statements from the Foreign Ministry. Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in Tehran that the blockade is not only a breach of the truce but also “unlawful and criminal,” arguing that by restricting access to Iranian ports by sea it harms ordinary civilians rather than military targets. He said Iran views the measures as a form of collective punishment that could amount to a war crime and a crime against humanity. The blockade, which began on April 12 after weekend talks failed, applies to all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, and Reuters reported that no vessels passed through in the first 24 hours, with six merchant ships turning back. The United States has rejected Iran’s framing of the crisis, with President Donald Trump accusing Tehran of violating the ceasefire by firing on ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump described the incidents as a “total violation” of the truce and warned that Washington could target Iranian power plants and bridges if Iran does not accept his terms, according to Reuters. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil and gas route, remains badly disrupted under the U.S. measures, raising concerns about broader regional stability. Both sides now accuse each other of undermining the ceasefire, deepening a standoff around one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.