The United States military said no vessels have successfully passed through its blockade of Iranian ports in the first 48 hours of the operation, while Iran warned it would ban all trade through the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea if the blockade continues.
In a series of posts on social media, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday that American forces have halted economic trade into and out of Iran by sea. "During the first 48 hours of the U.S. blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, no vessels have made it past U.S. forces. Additionally, nine vessels have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coastal area," CENTCOM said.
In response, a spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces said on Wednesday that if the United States continues its maritime blockade, creating unsafe conditions for Iranian commercial ships and tankers, Iran's armed forces will not allow any import or export activities in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea. The Iranian side vowed to take strong action to defend its national sovereignty and interests.
However, Iran's Tasnim News Agency, citing informed sources in the shipping and port sectors, reported on Wednesday that maritime shipping activities in southern Iran continue despite the U.S. blockade, with port operations largely unaffected.
Over the past 24 hours, Iranian commercial vessels have been operating on international routes as scheduled, and related import and export businesses are ongoing at various ports, the report said.
The conflicting claims come amid heightened tensions following the U.S. military's announcement that it has fully cut off Iran's maritime export and import trade, with a complete blockade now in effect.
U.S. claims no vessels breach Iran blockade as Tehran threatens to close key waterways
Israel aims to fuel division among Lebanese factions by holding direct talks with the Lebanese government, said a senior Hezbollah official in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Bilal Lakkis, a member of Hezbollah's Central Committee, said Israel's military plans are failing in southern Lebanon, with no prominent military gains despite weeks of bombardment.
Israel has been bombarding most bridges over the Litani River, leaving only about two intact, in what appears to be an attempt to create an expanded buffer zone or to advance further north. Asked how Hezbollah views this strategy, Lakkis dismissed Israeli objectives as incoherent and militarily unachieved.
"Every day one of Israel's leaders says something different. Some say 'we need protection from the attacks', others say they want an occupation to settle the Israeli military. A third group says they want a buffer zone. A buffer zone needs a huge military victory, which has not been achieved. This proves that there is hesitance among them, there is no clarity. In any case, the region south of the river, some parts of it are just three kilometers between the river and the occupied Palestinian territories, so it doesn't achieve security," he said.
The United States hosted political talks for the first time in decades between the Lebanese government and Israel this week. Asked whether any agreement could be implemented without Hezbollah's consent and what Israel seeks from these negotiations, Lakkis was unequivocal in his rejection.
"The government is violating all laws. Some in Lebanon had hopes that the war on Iran would hit the brain, all the affiliates would perish. Instead they found success in holding negotiations in Pakistan. Every time Netanyahu fails militarily, he attempts to fuel the division within the Lebanese body," he said.
Asked about whether Hezbollah would avoid actions that might fuel such divisions, Lakkis emphasized the group's commitment to internal stability.
"The resistance in Lebanon doesn't want any internal instability. That is a long-standing historic stance. It's a red line for us to tamper with peace and stability. Moreover, the Arab and the Islamic support towards the resistance and Hezbollah specifically is at its best. To resist that is a way more valuable gain than to be dragged against an internal party. We are keen on national unity and Islamic unity," he said.
Hezbollah official says Israel aims to fuel division among Lebanese factions
