The United States has said its naval blockade targeting Iranian ports remains "fully implemented," even as Iran warned of serious consequences and vowed to respond if the measures continue.
In a post on X, the United States Central Command said US forces are actively enforcing sanctions and restricting vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. It added that 37 ships have already been redirected since the blockade began.
A merchant vessel, Sevan, intercepted in the Arabian Sea, is currently complying with US instructions to turn back toward Iran under escort, the command said.
The blockade was announced by Donald Trump on April 12, shortly after US-Iran talks held in Islamabad on April 11–12 failed to produce a breakthrough. Under the measure, US naval forces began blocking ships attempting to transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has strongly opposed the move. Masoud Pezeshkian warned that any threat to the security of the Strait of Hormuz would have "large-scale consequences for global trade."
Iran's main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, accused the US of "blockade, banditry and piracy" in the region and pledged retaliation if such actions continue. In a statement, it said Iran's armed forces are fully prepared to defend national sovereignty and could inflict "more severe damage" if faced with further aggression.
Tensions have been compounded by stalled diplomacy. Trump on Saturday cancelled a planned visit by US negotiators to Islamabad, citing internal divisions within Iran's leadership. "We have all the cards, they have none... there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their leadership," he said on Truth Social.
The divisions were visible when Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi indicated the Strait of Hormuz was open, only for the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to reassert control shortly after.
Araghchi, who visited Islamabad, held discussions with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir on ceasefire efforts, regional stability, and the future of negotiations, according to Iranian media.
The current standoff follows a 40-day conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which ended in a ceasefire on April 8. However, subsequent talks failed, and tensions have persisted, with both sides hardening their positions.
Iran has refused to return to negotiations, citing the ongoing US naval blockade and what it described as excessive demands. Meanwhile, reports suggest Tehran will not accept talks framed around US-imposed red lines.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, remains at the centre of the crisis, with both sides signalling readiness to escalate even as diplomatic channels remain stalled.
(With inputs from IANS)
