US Naval Blockade on Iran Begins, Raising Fears of Major Escalation

US Naval Blockade on Iran Begins, Raising Fears of Major Escalation

A naval blockade on Iran ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump has officially begun, raising tensions between Washington and Tehran and threatening to destabilise a fragile ceasefire agreement.

The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff, with Trump warning that Iranian military vessels approaching the blockade zone in the Gulf would be “immediately eliminated.”

In a post on social media, Trump claimed Iran’s naval capabilities had been severely weakened.

“Iran’s Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated – 158 ships,” he wrote, adding that only a small number of so-called “fast attack ships” remained operational.

He further warned: “If any of these ships come anywhere close to our blockade, they will be immediately eliminated.”

Blockade Takes Effect

The blockade, announced after unsuccessful negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials in Pakistan, reportedly came into effect on Monday at 10 a.m. in Washington, D.C. (14:00 GMT).

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which is affiliated with the British Royal Navy, confirmed it had been informed that the restrictions would apply “without distinction” to vessels linked to Iranian ports and oil terminals.

The advisory indicated that the blockade covers the entire Iranian coastline, including key ports and energy infrastructure.

Rising Regional Tensions

Despite a recent two-week truce agreement, maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has not increased as expected, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in the region.

Iranian officials have accused the United States of violating the ceasefire, alleging that Israeli strikes in the region continue despite the agreement. Mediators, however, insist that all regional fronts were included in the truce framework.

Iran has condemned the blockade as an act of “piracy” and vowed to defend its territorial waters.

Economic and Global Impact

The escalation is expected to further strain Iran’s already struggling economy, while also raising concerns about global energy markets.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the blockade could push fuel prices higher internationally, including in the United States, where petrol prices have already risen above $4 per gallon.

Meanwhile, concerns persist that the move may not significantly weaken Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz or reduce global energy volatility.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue

Despite rising tensions, mediators including Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan say diplomatic efforts will continue in a bid to maintain regional stability.

“Pakistan remains committed to sustaining this momentum for peace and stability,” Sharif said.

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