US to blockade maritime traffic at Iranian ports
After high-level ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran broke down, the United States on some sweeping naval blockade of all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports has been announced. The action, which will go into effect immediately, is intended to apply added pressure on Iran in light of continuing tensions over its nuclear programme and activities in the region.
The blockade would affect vessels from all countries operating with Iranian ports, U.S. Central Command said, but ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations would still be permitted passage. The decision represents a dramatic escalation in the conflict, which has already shaken global oil markets and shipping lanes.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, which is responsible for maintaining the country’s security and conducting military operations abroad, said in response that any military presence near the Strait would violate the delicate ceasefire. Tehran has blamed the U.S. for violating diplomatic norms, and fears of a new escalation based on such actions in the region are high.
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