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3. Iran Military Warns will Block Red Sea if U.S. Naval Blockade Continues

Iran's military warned on Wednesday it would block trade through the Red Sea, along with the Gulf and Sea of Oman, if the U.S. naval blockade continues.

In a statement carried by Iranian state television, the head of Iran's military central command center said if the U.S. 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 Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea," said Ali Abdollahi. 

He did not clarify which countries’ imports or exports might be affected, though the maritime routes in question cover a broad and economically critical region, the BBC reported. The broadcaster added that a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports began earlier this week, with American officials claiming that no vessels breached it in the first 24 hours, as six merchant ships were forced to turn back in the Gulf of Oman.

The ceasefire cited by Abdollahi was announced on 8 April after weeks of escalating conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel. However, initial rounds of U.S.-Iran negotiations have failed, despite indications from Trump that talks could resume shortly, a claim not yet confirmed by Tehran.

With AFP