Escalating Tensions: Iran Condemns U.S. Maritime Blockade in Hormuz Strait as «Piracy»

Original article: Ormuz al rojo vivo: Irán tilda de “piratería” el cerco marítimo de EE.UU

The tension surrounding the control of the Strait of Hormuz has reached a boiling point after Iran labeled the upcoming U.S. maritime blockade on this crucial shipping route, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas is transported, as «illegal» and an «act of piracy«.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced via his Truth Social platform that the blockade of this passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea will «begin soon«.

The Republican businessman indicated that the measure aims to prevent the Islamic Republic from benefiting from what he termed as «extortion», referring to the practice of charging tolls to vessels navigating through the strait.

According to the White House occupant, the obstruction will commence on Monday, April 13. He noted that the armed forces of the U.S. are entirely prepared to execute these actions.

Although Trump indicated that «other countries will join this blockade», it is worth remembering that last week, he criticized his NATO allies for not providing him with assistance in his aggression against the Persian nation.

Iran States: «Vessels Linked to Enemies Have No Right to Passage in the Strait of Hormuz»

From Tehran, the spokesperson of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, rejected Washington’s intentions, labeling them as «illegal and an «act of piracy«.

«The imposition of restrictions by the United States on maritime navigation in international waters constitutes an illegal act and a clear example of piracy,» he stated.

“The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran clearly and firmly declare that the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is for everyone or for no one,” he added.

In his remarks, the spokesperson warned that “if the security of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ports in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is threatened, no port in these regions will be safe.”

In response to the war launched against it by Israel and the U.S., Tehran has chosen to restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels affiliated with the aggressors and their allies.

Simultaneously, the parliament of the Islamic nation approved a bill to impose transit fees in the national currency (rial) and explicitly prohibit the passage of U.S. and Israeli vessels through this waterway, deemed strategic for international hydrocarbon trade.

Regarding this, Zolfaghari reiterated that, as has been stated repeatedly, vessels linked to enemies have no and will have no right to passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, according to reports from RT, he clarified that the passage through the strait will «be allowed for other ships», in accordance with the regulations of the armed forces.

He announced that Iran will implement a «permanent mechanism» to control this maritime route, which is essential for the exports of countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that the approach of warships to the Strait of Hormuz under any pretext will be considered a violation of the ceasefire established through a two-week agreement between Washington and Tehran, triggering a severe response from the Persian nation.