Tehran: Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters threatened Wednesday to block exports and imports through the Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea in response to the US naval blockade on Iranian ports.

According to Anadolu Agency, Major General Ali Abdollahi, the commander of the Central Headquarters, stated that if the 'aggressive and terrorist US' continues 'illegal maritime blockade actions and creates insecurity for Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers,' such moves would be seen as 'a prelude to violating the ceasefire.' The statement, as reported by Fars News Agency, underscores the escalating tension in the region.

He further warned that if the blockade persists, Iran's armed forces 'will not allow any exports or imports to continue' in these strategic waterways. The potential disruption could have significant implications for global trade, particularly in the energy sector, given the strategic importance of these waterways.

The US imposed a naval blockade around Iranian ports following rare direct talks in Pakistan, which ended without an agreement this weekend. The breakdown in the talks has exacerbated existing tensions between the two nations.

More than 3,300 people have been reported killed in US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran since February 28, according to Iranian authorities. In retaliation, Tehran launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets before a two-week ceasefire was announced last week. The fragile nature of this ceasefire and ongoing hostilities underline the volatility in the region and the potential for further conflict.