Iranian Foreign Minister Says U.S. Blockade of Ports Is an 'Act of War'

[Financial News]  \r\n
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\r\nIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that a U.S. Navy blockade of Iranian ports would be an "act of war."
According to Al Jazeera, Araghchi wrote on social media platform X on the 21st local time that "a blockade of Iranian ports is an act of war" and therefore a "violation of the ceasefire agreement."
Despite the ceasefire agreement, the U.S. has not lifted its blockade of Iranian ports, including by seizing ships entering and leaving them. In retaliation, Iran again blocked the Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi stressed that "attacking merchant ships and taking crews hostage is an even greater violation." He added, "Iran knows very well how to neutralize such restrictions, how to protect its own interests, and how to resist bullying."
The two sides had been expected to begin ceasefire talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, that day, but the negotiations have not yet materialized.
Iran says the U.S. is pressuring it and insists that talks cannot proceed unless the threats are lifted. It has also not decided whether to attend the meeting.
Meanwhile, the White House said the U.S. negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, has delayed its departure for Pakistan and remains in Washington, D.C.
There are also disagreements over when the ceasefire will end.
U.S. President Donald John Trump said the two-week ceasefire would end at "8 p.m. on the 22nd (9 a.m. on the 23rd Korea time)," but Iran announced on the day that it would end at midnight on the 21st based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) (9 a.m. on the 22nd Korea time).
Pakistan, meanwhile, believes the end time is 11:50 p.m. on the 22nd GMT (8:50 a.m. on the 23rd Korea time).
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dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter