TEHRAN: Iran’s military warned on Wednesday it would block trade through the Red Sea, along with the Gulf and Sea of Oman, if the US naval blockade continues.
In a statement carried by Iranian state television, the head of Iran’s military central command center said if the US continues with its blockade and “creates insecurity for Iran’s commercial vessels and oil tankers,” it will constitute “a prelude” to violating the ceasefire.
“The powerful armed forces of the Islamic republic will not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea,” said Ali Abdollahi.
The commander of Iran’s joint military command threatened to halt trade in the Gulf region if the US does not lift its blockade on Iranian ports. No vessels have made it past US naval forces during the first 48 hours of the blockade, according to the US Central Command. Even so, US President Donald Trump said the war in Iran was “very close to over” in an interview that aired Wednesday.
Trump also claimed that China has agreed not to provide weapons to Iran as reports circulate that Beijing has considered transferring arms. China’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly denied in recent days that the country is providing any form of military support to Iran.
Separately, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned on Wednesday that the US is preparing to ramp up economic pain on Iran by levying secondary sanctions on financial institutions that do business with the Middle Eastern nation. Bessent called the measure the “financial equivalent” of the bombing campaign.
Meanwhile, mediators’ efforts to extend a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have made progress as the warring sides are expected to return soon to the table for another round of negotiations, regional officials said. However, a senior US official said Wednesday the US has not formally agreed to extend the ceasefire and that “engagement” with Iran continues. The latest diplomatic move came hours later, when a Pakistani delegation arrived for talks in Tehran.
