‘US naval blockade doomed to fail’ – Iran president

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Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Thursday that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports is “doomed to fail” and will only serve to deepen disruptions in the Persian Gulf.

 In a formal statement, Pezeshkian characterized the maritime restrictions as a violation of international law and a significant source of regional tension rather than a means to enhance security.

The blockade, which the United States imposed on April 13 following a ceasefire, has been met with increasing defiance from Tehran. 

While the U.S. Navy continues to squeeze Iranian exports, Iran’s military has kept the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed. 

Military officials have intensified their rhetoric, with Mohsen Rezaei, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, warning that Iran will not tolerate the continued naval presence. Rezaei cautioned that a new round of fighting could result in U.S. ships being sunk and soldiers being taken prisoner.

Furthering this stance of military readiness, Iran’s army navy commander, Shahram Irani, signaled on Wednesday that the country intends to deploy newly developed naval weaponry in the “very near future.” Meanwhile, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad dismissed concerns regarding the blockade’s impact on domestic energy, asserting that oil industry employees are working around the clock to maintain services and that the U.S. will gain no meaningful results from the strategy.

The escalating standoff continues to pressure global energy markets as both nations remain entrenched in their respective positions regarding nuclear enrichment and maritime navigation rights.