Iranian state media has broadcast a message from the Revolutionary Guards ordering ships to remain at their moorings and avoid the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions.
The Revolutionary Guards warned that any vessels approaching the Strait would be viewed as cooperating with the “enemy.” They further stated that shipowners must follow all notices issued by the Revolutionary Guards Navy, dismissing recent comments by US President Donald Trump regarding the waterway as invalid.
A local naval commander told state television that any vessel ignoring these warnings would be targeted. He added that the US Navy would face a “harsh blow” if it attacked Iranian ships, noting that the closure of the Strait would persist until the US lifted its naval blockade.
Emergency meeting at the White House
The warnings followed an earlier incident today in which the Revolutionary Guards targeted three vessels. While Trump initially downplayed the move, suggesting Iran was playing “cunning games” as a tactical manoeuvre, he later convened an emergency ministerial summit.
According to Axios, the US president summoned high-ranking officials to the Situation Room to determine a response to Tehran’s actions. The meeting included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, alongside CIA Director John Ratcliffe and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Despite the heightened friction, Trump reportedly expects a deal within the next twenty-four hours, maintaining that ongoing talks with Iran remain on track.
Negotiations face hurdles as ceasefire nears end
Iran has received a new proposal from Pakistan for a ceasefire with the US, with only three days remaining before the current truce expires.
However, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a key figure in the negotiations, struck a more cautious tone. In a lengthy interview with Iranian television, Ghalibaf acknowledged progress in talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 but insisted the two sides remained far apart.
Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation in meetings with a US team headed by JD Vance, said that fundamental issues remain unresolved. He stated that Tehran has no trust in the United States and demanded that Washington abandon its tendency for unilateral actions.
The speaker claimed Iran had agreed to the initial two-week ceasefire on April 8 because the US had accepted Iranian demands. He maintained that Iran remained in a position of strength on the battlefield and retained control over the Strait of Hormuz.