Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the United States’ naval blockade of Iranian ports as an act of war and a break of the ceasefire in remarks posted Tuesday on X.
“Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire,” Araghchi wrote on X. He added that seizing a commercial ship and its crew was an even more serious breach.
“Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying,” the minister said.
The U.S. Navy imposed the blockade on April 11, 2026, aiming to stop Iran’s oil exports. Araghchi’s message came on Tuesday evening, April 21, 2026, only hours before the two-week ceasefire with the United States was due to run out.
Tehran had already said it would take part in a second round of talks in Pakistan, meant to end the war with Washington, only if the naval blockade of its ports was lifted.
Sources
- Iran calls US blockade on ports an act of war, violating ceasefire
- Araghchi: Blockade of Iranian Ports is Violation of Ceasefire and "Act of War"
