Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, described the blockade of Iranian ports as an "act of war" in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday evening, April 21, just hours before the expiration of the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

In his post, he said: “The blockade of Iranian ports is an act of war and, consequently, a violation of the ceasefire.” He further added that the attack on a commercial vessel and the “taking of its crew hostage” amount to an “even greater” breach of the ceasefire, The Caspian Post reports, citing foreign media.

The Foreign Minister stressed: “Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying.”

Iran had earlier stated that its participation in the second round of negotiations in Pakistan aimed at ending the war with the United States and reaching an agreement depends on “the end of the naval blockade” of its ports. The blockade, imposed by the U.S. Navy on April 11, was intended to cut off Iran’s oil exports.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said he hopes to secure a “big deal” to bring the war to an end but made it clear he does not intend to extend the ceasefire. He also emphasized that the naval blockade will continue until an agreement is reached.