Arabic version: بدأ الحصار البحري الأمريكي على إيران بأمر من ترامب

A naval blockade on Iran, ordered by United States President Donald Trump, has begun, setting the stage for a major escalation that could fray the fragile ceasefire between the two countries. Trump warned Iranian military ships on Monday from approaching the blockade zone. According to Al Jazeera, the blockade came into effect on Monday at 10am in Washington, DC (14:00 GMT).

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center announced that the US blockade will apply “without distinction” to ships engaging with Iranian ports and oil terminals. The restrictions encompass the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including the ports and energy infrastructure. Although the two-week truce stipulated that Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz, vessel traffic has not increased in the strategic waterway since the ceasefire was announced last week.

Iranian officials have accused the US of violating the truce by allowing Israel to continue to bomb Lebanon. While Trump’s move to blockade Iran’s ports could hamper the already ailing Iranian economy, it is unlikely to loosen Iran’s grip on Hormuz or bring down energy prices. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the US siege in the Gulf will only raise gasoline prices for Americans.

Iran has vowed to defend its territorial waters, describing the naval siege as “piracy.” Disputes over Hormuz and whether or not Iran can retain a domestic nuclear program were the major sticking points in the recent talks in Islamabad. Pakistan, which mediated the ceasefire, has stated its commitment to continue mediation efforts for peace and stability in the region.