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Tehran vows ‘permanent’ control of Hormuz after US announces blockade of Iranian ports

April 14, 2026

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian military made a statement on 13 April, accusing Washington of “piracy” while vowing to act “decisively” to control the Strait of Hormuz and secure Iran’s waters.

The statement came hours after the US army announced a blockade of Iranian ports.

“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran consider defending the country’s legal rights a natural and lawful duty, and accordingly, exercising sovereignty over our territorial waters is the natural right of the Iranian people. Based on this, ensuring security in Iran’s territorial waters by the Armed Forces will continue decisively,” the Iranian army said.

“As repeatedly stated, vessels affiliated with the enemy have no right to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and will not be allowed to do so, while other vessels that comply with the regulations of the Iranian Armed Forces will continue to be permitted transit. In light of continued threats against the Iranian people and national security even after the war, Iran will decisively implement a permanent mechanism to control the Strait of Hormuz,” it added.

“The restrictions imposed by the US on maritime movement in international waters are illegal and constitute an act of piracy. The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran clearly and firmly state: security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be for everyone, or for no one.”

The Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters warned that “If the security of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is threatened, no port in these waters will remain safe.”

US Central Command (CENTCOM) had announced on Sunday night that it would begin a blockade “of all maritime traffic entering and exiting” Iranian ports starting 10:00 am Eastern Time (ET) on 13 April.

https://t.co/YAFhMBm7hA

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 12, 2026

“The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports,” it added.

After the announcement, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “enjoy the current pump figures,” adding that “with the so-called ‘blockade,’ Soon you’ll be nostalgic for $4–5 gas.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said “we are not supporting the blockade” in an interview with BBC Radio.

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed to Washington and its allies despite the recent ceasefire between the US and Iran.

Vessels unaffiliated with the US and Israel have been given access following coordination with the Islamic Republic.

An investigation by Press TV claimed a US attempt to send two destroyers through the Strait of Hormuz, described as a “transit stunt,” ended in failure after Iranian forces intercepted the vessels and forced them to retreat under threat of attack.

The report said missiles and drones locked onto the ships, giving them minutes to withdraw, and described the US operation as aimed at influencing talks in Islamabad, adding that the vessels attempted to disguise themselves as commercial ships using electronic deception.

VIDEO | An investigation by Press TV claims a US attempt to send two destroyers through the Strait of Hormuz, described as a “transit stunt,” ended in failure after Iranian forces intercepted the vessels and forced them to retreat under threat of attack.

The report says missiles… pic.twitter.com/oWZeHREFCk

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) April 12, 2026