TEHRAN April 21, 2026 – Iran has publicly admitted that its recent measures in the Strait of Hormuz have harmed shipping and economies of other nations, but firmly placed responsibility on the United States and Israel.
In a statement reported widely on social media, including by BRICS News on X (formerly Twitter), an Iranian official said: “We understand that some countries have been harmed by our actions in the Strait of Hormuz. But they can blame the United States and Israel.”
The remark comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, where Iran has imposed restrictions, reported gunfire on vessels, and taken other defensive actions in the vital waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Disruptions have already caused shipping delays, U-turns by tankers, and spikes in global oil and gas prices.
The Iranian actions are widely seen as retaliation to a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and the recent seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship by U.S. forces near the strait. Iran has condemned these moves as “maritime piracy” and has coordinated passage through the strait via its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as part of ongoing negotiations.
Earlier in April, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the strait was “completely open” to commercial vessels following a fragile ceasefire in related regional conflicts, but warned it could close again if the U.S. blockade persisted. U.S. President Donald Trump has described Iran’s moves as “blackmail” and vowed not to back down until a broader deal is reached.
The Iranian statement has sparked strong reactions online and internationally. Supporters of Tehran argue it is defending its sovereignty against aggression, while critics accuse the regime of endangering global trade and then shifting blame.
Oil markets remain volatile, with analysts warning that prolonged instability in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching economic consequences for energy-importing nations, including India, China, and Europe.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments in the ongoing U.S.-Iran standoff.
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