Iran stated that if its ports are threatened by the U.S. blockade, no port in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman will remain safe. The Iranian military spokesperson, quoted by state media, labeled any U.S. restrictions on vessels in international waters as “piracy”.
The Revolutionary Guards also warned that any military vessels entering the strait would be seen as violating the ceasefire. The statement came as two Iranian-linked tankers, Aurora and New Future, carrying oil products and diesel, passed through the strait shortly before the U.S. blockade was set to take effect, according to data from LSEG, according to an Associated Press report on Monday.
US Navy To Enforce Strait Blockade
This move follows President Donald Trump‘s announcement that the U.S. Navy would begin a process to stop vessels attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz, while also moving to remove mines he said Iran laid in the strait. Trump also warned against the collection of any illegal tolls.
The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the blockade would begin at 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT) on Monday and would be enforced equally on all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal waters, including those in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Oil Tops $100 On Hormuz Risk Fears
Economist Mohamed A. El-Erian, in a post on social media platform X, highlighted the escalating global risks stemming from a potential “blockade of the blockade” in the Strait of Hormuz. El-Erian noted that Iran, which is at the center of the fallout, could face a significant hit to its oil export revenues and lose income generated from informal “tolls” charged to select vessels previously allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement of the blockade has again sent oil prices above $100 per barrel. At the time of writing, Brent crude oil was trading 6.84% higher at $101.70 per barrel.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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