Araghchi accuses US of maximalism and shifting goalposts

US Central Command (CENTCOM) says American forces will begin implementing a blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 a.m. ET, following a proclamation by President Donald Trump.

According to the statement posted on X, the blockade will be enforced against vessels of all nations traveling to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas, including ports on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM said the measures would not affect vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian ports, adding that freedom of navigation through the waterway would not be impeded.

Mariners were advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact US naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and chief negotiator has mocked the US plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, warning Americans they may soon long for today’s fuel prices.

“Enjoy the current pump figures. With the so-called ‘blockade’, soon you'll be nostalgic for $4–$5 gas,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.

He accompanied the message with a mathematical note — (ΔO_BSOH>0 ⇒ f(f(O))>f(O)) — suggesting compounding effects from oil market disruptions tied to the geopolitical situation.

The comment appears to reference the expected ripple effects on energy markets if tensions around the Strait of Hormuz intensify.

A senior Iranian figure close to the country’s leadership has dismissed US threats to block Iran through the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran cannot be “besieged by tweets and imaginary plans.”

Mohsen Rezaei, a former IRGC chief and military adviser to supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, appeared to respond to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a plan to block the strategic waterway.

“Iran will not be besieged by tweets and imaginary plans,” Rezaei said, according to Iranian media.

He added that Iran’s armed forces would not permit such a move and have “major tools” to confront any attempt to impose a blockade.

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif criticized US President Donald Trump’s plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz in a post on X on Sunday.

“Blockading Hormuz — which is not blocked — to help global economy,” Zarif wrote. “Another ‘Art of the Deal’ Masterstroke?”

“The worst gamblers don't know when to leave a losing table,” he added.

The commander of the Iranian army's navy described US President Donald Trump’s remarks about blockading the Strait of Hormuz as “funny and ridiculous.”

“The Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army has monitored and continues to monitor all movements of the US military in the region,” Shahram Irani added.

Trump said on Sunday that the US Navy would immediately begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz and interdict vessels that have paid tolls to Iran.