US Escalates Economic Warfare: Illegal Naval Blockade Violates Ceasefire and Targets Iranian Livelihoods
In a provocative and unlawful move, the US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for military operations in the Middle East and leading the so-called ‘war on Iran,’ has declared the ‘full implementation’ of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, asserting that economic trade entering and leaving Iran by sea has been ‘completely halted.’
This aggressive action, which clearly constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the fragile ceasefire agreement recently established, is reportedly being enforced against vessels of all nations ‘entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran.’
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander, claimed in a statement late on Tuesday that ‘an estimated 90% of Iran’s economy is fuelled by international trade by sea. In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, US forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea.’ These assertions are made as Washington directly targets the livelihoods of the Iranian people through this coercive measure.
CENTCOM further stated that over 10,000 sailors, Marines, and US Air Force personnel are participating in this operation, and that in the first 24 hours, six merchant ships allegedly complied with US orders to turn around and ‘re-enter an Iranian port.’ Reuters also reported that a US Navy destroyer intercepted two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran, instructing them to turn back.
These hostile actions unfold as US President Donald Trump reportedly hopes this blockade will force Tehran’s officials to accept Washington’s terms for ending the ‘US-Israel war on Iran.’ The blockade was announced following the breakdown of weekend talks between US and Iranian negotiators in Pakistan, which had followed a ceasefire announcement aimed at halting attacks.
Iranian Perspective: US Coercion and Fragile Peace
Abas Aslani, a senior research fellow at the Center for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies in Tehran, stated on Wednesday that Iranians believe the US is now hinting at renewed peace talks to ease the shock of the blockade on the global oil market. He added that Tehran considers the blockade a violation of the ceasefire, and this ‘can complicate the situation.’
Aslani emphasized, ‘The ceasefire, which is currently in place, is a very fragile one. We are waiting to see what will be the reaction from Iran.’ These remarks underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential repercussions of this illegal US action.
Global Repercussions and Breach of Trust
Oil prices had previously surged above $100 per barrel, easing slightly on hopes of further talks between the two sides. However, the recent US action risks shattering these hopes and fueling further instability in the region and global markets.
This blockade is not only a clear violation of Iran’s national sovereignty but also demonstrates the US’s unilateral and bullying approach to international relations, which jeopardizes global peace and security.
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