– The Washington Times
Officials in Tehran talked tough as President Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports loomed on Monday, saying the regime still had “cards” to play after peace talks broke down over the weekend.
Ebrahim Rezaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, said the blockade would only worsen the economic picture by choking off global oil supplies.
“It complicates the current situation he’s already in and further unsettles the market,” Mr. Rezaei posted on X. “We might even reveal other cards we haven’t played in this game.”
Mr. Trump announced Sunday that Navy ships would set up a blockade to thwart maritime traffic “entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas” as of 10 a.m. Eastern on Monday.
He reaffirmed the plan in a social media post on Monday.
The president said non-Iranian ships hoping to traverse the Strait of Hormuz will be allowed to pass.
“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!” Mr. Trump posted.
Mr. Trump issued the blockade after Pakistan-mediated talks between Vice President J.D. Vance and high-ranking Iranians failed to produce a lasting peace deal.
The U.S. and Iran are operating under a two-week ceasefire deal, yet the standoff over ports threatens to be a new clash.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his country does not plan to participate in the blockade of Iranian ports, and European leaders are on edge about the potential economic fallout.
Oil prices edged higher on Monday, and Dow Futures fell as investors worried about the future of the conflict and shocks to energy markets.
Iranian officials mocked the U.S. side online.
“If you want the situation to improve, respect the Iranians, accept your defeat, and don’t demand at the negotiating table what you failed to achieve in war,” Mr. Rezaei posted.
Higher oil prices have meant higher gasoline prices for everyday American drivers.
The national average price of a gallon of gas stood at $4.12 — down from $4.16 in recent days but more than a dollar higher than on Feb. 28, when the war started with U.S.-Israeli strikes.
“Enjoy the current pump figures,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on social media. “With the so-called ’blockade’, soon you’ll be nostalgic for $4-$5 gas.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
