Iran Threatens to Block Strait of Hormuz from Tankers if US Continues Maritime Blockade
Iran has threatened to close access to the Strait of Hormuz for tankers if the United States continues to enforce a maritime blockade. Saeed Siah-Sarani, the deputy cultural affairs officer of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, stated that no oil shipments would be allowed to cross the strait. "(Iran will not permit) Even a single liter of oil. Our fingers are on the trigger," he said during a ceremony in the city of Qom on Thursday (April 30, 2026). He emphasized that Iranian forces are fully prepared to act on land, sea, and air.
Siah-Sarani asserted that the IRGC Navy maintains complete control over the Strait of Hormuz. Any vessel passing through must comply with Iranian regulations, including following designated routes. He stated that developments in the strait reflect Iran's growing influence and affirmed that the U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf would soon come to an end.
The U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on April 7. However, the U.S. imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz a week later, prohibiting ships from entering or leaving. U.S. President Donald Trump subsequently extended the ceasefire indefinitely without lifting the blockade. Iran responded by refusing to continue peace negotiations unless the blockade is revoked, while Trump has declined to open the blockade until Iran agrees to negotiations.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/04/