Tehran: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has condemned the United States' naval blockade of Iran's ports and coastline as unlawful and a breach of the Pakistani-mediated ceasefire.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei, in a post on his X account on Sunday, declared that the United States' so-called 'blockade' of Iran's ports or coastline is not only a violation of the Pakistani-mediated ceasefire but also both unlawful and criminal. He asserted that it violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and constitutes an act of aggression under Article 3(c) of the UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974), which explicitly includes the blockade of a state's ports or coasts among such acts. Furthermore, Baqaei stated that the blockade inflicts collective punishment on the Iranian population, amounting to a war crime and a crime against humanity.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy announced on Saturday that it was closing the strategic waterway after the United States chose to maintain its blockade of Iranian ports in violation of the ceasefire. Iran had earlier declared the Strait of Hormuz closed following the aggression by the US and Israel against the country on February 28.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces launched attacks on American and Israeli positions in the region, showcasing their ability to effectively retaliate. Despite initial expectations of a swift victory by the attackers, the Iranian response proved significantly more potent, inflicting heavy damage on US and Israeli military resources while rallying the nation's unity and resistance.

While the US president had issued an ultimatum, Pakistani mediation facilitated an agreement for a two-week ceasefire, during which negotiations would occur in Islamabad. Iran has proposed a ten-point plan as the foundation for discussions, seeking terms such as the withdrawal of US forces from the region, lifting sanctions, and asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Supreme National Security Council of Iran emphasized on April 8 that the conflict led to a significant victory for Iran, compelling the US to accept negotiation terms, including a plan for guaranteed non-aggression and the cessation of hostilities.