Iran has reiterated its threat to restrict vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz as long as the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports. The statement comes as mediators attempt to extend the ceasefire that is scheduled to expire next Wednesday.

The mutual blockade imposed by both sides is seen as complicating mediation efforts led by Pakistan, while also raising doubts about whether the two-week ceasefire can be prolonged.

“It is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while we are not allowed,” said Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf in an interview broadcast on state television on Saturday night, as reported by AP News on Sunday (April 19, 2026).

Qalibaf, who also serves as Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with the United States, described the U.S. blockade as a naive decision stemming from ignorance. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Iran continues to pursue peace despite deep mistrust toward Washington.

He also acknowledged that negotiations still face significant obstacles. According to him, the gap in positions between the two sides remains wide, and several fundamental issues have yet to be resolved.

Iran had previously announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. However, after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place until an agreement is reached with Tehran, Iran reaffirmed that it would maintain restrictions in the strait.

After limited shipping activity resumed on Saturday, several vessels in the Persian Gulf chose to remain in place. They exercised caution after two Indian-flagged ships were fired upon while passing through and were forced to turn back.

The withdrawal of these vessels has returned the Strait of Hormuz to conditions similar to those before the ceasefire, when maritime traffic was disrupted. This route typically handles around 20 percent of global oil trade, meaning the latest developments risk worsening the global energy crisis.

With only days remaining before the ceasefire between the United States and Iran expires, Tehran announced on Saturday that it had received a new proposal from Washington. Meanwhile, mediators from Pakistan are reportedly working to facilitate a new round of direct negotiations between the two countries.