"If the aggressive and terrorist US continues its illegal action in enforcing a maritime blockade in the region and creating insecurity for Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers, this action by the US will be a precursor of violation of the ceasefire, and the powerful Armed Forces of Iran will not allow any exports or imports in the Persian Gulf region, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea to continue," Major General Ali Abdollahi said in a statement released on Wednesday.
"Iran will take decisive action to defend its national sovereignty and interests,” the commander emphasized.
On February 28, following the assassination of Iran's late leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and several military commanders, the US and Israel launched a military offensive against Iran. In response, the Iranian Armed Forces executed a series of counterattacks over 40 days, targeting US and Israeli military assets, which resulted in significant damages and prolonged the conflict. A two-week ceasefire was brokered on April 8, allowing for negotiations in Islamabad, where Iran proposed a ten-point plan seeking US troop withdrawal and the lifting of sanctions.
Despite 21 hours of intense talks, the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran without an agreement, citing a lack of trust in US commitments. Amidst these tensions, Trump announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at intercepting vessels that had paid tolls to Iran. The US military confirmed that the blockade has begun on Monday, escalating the situation further.