Tehran threatens ports in Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman
Washington: The US military announced it will begin a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday, tempering US President Donald Trump’s previous vow to entirely block the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as early reports indicated that ships had stopped crossing the waterway.
However, Trump warned on social media that any Iranian warships that come “anywhere close” to the US blockade will be destroyed. It was not clear whether the blockade had started by the designated time of 10 am EDT.
The move sets the stage for a showdown as Iran has responded with threats against ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The war, now in its seventh week, has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets.
Ceasefire talks between the US and Iran over the weekend ended without an agreement, raising questions about what happens when the current two-week truce expires on April 22. The current truce appears to be holding, with no word on whether negotiations will resume before it expires.
Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, said his country will try to facilitate a new round of dialogue between Iran and the US in the coming days. There was no immediate reaction from either side. A key obstacle seems to be a perception on both sides that they won the war and that each has time on its side.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military is pushing ahead with its air and ground offensive in southern Lebanon, engaging in fierce fighting with Hezbollah militants over a strategic town while the group also fired rockets and drones at northern Israel.
The UK and Pakistan, meanwhile, on Monday exchanged views on the recently held direct US-Iran negotiations as well as broader regional development.
During a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Ishaq Dar, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lauded the country’s role in promoting peace in West Asia.
According to a statement by the Foreign Office, they exchanged views on the recently held direct US-Iran negotiations at the Islamabad talks, as well as broader regional developments.
Cooper “appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region,” it added.
Dar underscored the need for all parties to respect and implement the ceasefire fully. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to advancing dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means of addressing regional challenges and fostering lasting peace.
