Aletho News

ΑΛΗΘΩΣ

Iran announces new Hormuz restrictions after US ceasefire violations

Al Mayadeen | April 21, 2026

Iran has announced sweeping restrictions on maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz following violations of the ceasefire by the United States, Tasnim News Agency reported.

The report stated that all established maritime channels for entry and exit through the Strait have been closed, effectively halting normal transit in one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.

Iranian authorities have instead introduced a newly designed waterway that will allow limited and closely monitored passage for commercial vessels, signaling a controlled approach to maritime navigation under heightened tensions.

Tehran has also declared that no vessel will be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz until guarantees are provided, ensuring the full lifting of the maritime blockade imposed on Iran.

Additionally, the Strait will remain under strict surveillance by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy, with an explicit ban on the transit of any military vessels, further escalating security measures in the region.

Iranian ships defy the US blockade

The United States naval blockade of Iran began on April 13, after the ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad reached a dead end, with Washington announcing it would restrict all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports. The move was first outlined publicly on April 12 by US President Donald Trump, who declared that US forces would intercept vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian-controlled waters.

On April 20, the US military attacked and pirated an Iranian-flagged container ship, TOUSKA, exiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such act of piracy by the US targeting Tehran’s ships since the blockade was first announced.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters described the incident as “maritime piracy” and a clear violation of the ceasefire, stating that US forces had disrupted the vessel’s navigation systems and carried out an airborne landing operation on its deck, while warning that Iran’s Armed Forces would respond soon to “armed piracy” by US forces.

Since then, several Iranian ships have defied the blockade and sailed to and from Iran.

Iran’s Army announced that an Iranian oil tanker had successfully entered the country’s territorial waters after crossing the Arabian Sea, despite repeated warnings and threats issued by United States naval forces.

In a statement released on April 21, the Army’s public relations office confirmed that the vessel was escorted by the Navy, which ensured its safe passage under full protection until it reached Iranian waters without incident.

The statement added that the tanker has since docked at one of Iran’s southern ports, where it has remained for several hours following its arrival.

Other vessels had successfully transited the Strait, defying the United States-imposed maritime blockade targeting Iranian shipping routes.

The vessels managed to cross the strategic waterway despite ongoing restrictions enforced by Washington in recent days.

April 21, 2026 - Posted by | Militarism, Wars for Israel | , ,

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

« Previous | Next »