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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has criticised the United States over its naval blockade, warning that the move will not succeed and could further destabilise the Gulf region.
In a statement on Thursday, Pezeshkian said attempts to impose maritime restrictions on Iran violate international law and are unlikely to achieve their intended objectives. He added that such actions would increase tensions rather than improve regional security or stability in the Persian Gulf.
“Any attempt to impose a maritime blockade or restrictions is contrary to international law… and is doomed to fail.”
The United States imposed the blockade on April 13, shortly after a ceasefire paused hostilities between the two countries.
Iran has since kept the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments, closed, while signalling it could escalate its response if the blockade persists.
Mohsen Rezaei, a senior military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, reiterated that Tehran would not accept the restrictions and warned that continued pressure could provoke retaliation.
He also cautioned that any renewed conflict could lead to direct confrontation, with potential losses on the US side and the possibility of American personnel being captured.
“We will not tolerate the naval blockade. If it continues, Iran will respond.
“If the US starts another war, it should expect that we take a large number of them prisoner,” he said.
Iran’s oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad, downplayed the impact of the blockade, saying it would not disrupt the country’s energy operations.
He noted that workers in the sector were maintaining round-the-clock efforts to ensure continued supply and service delivery.
“Oil industry employees are working around the clock to ensure that there is no problem in providing services,” he told state TV.
Meanwhile, navy commander Shahram Irani indicated that Iran could soon deploy newly developed naval capabilities, signalling further readiness as the standoff escalates.
