Iran has issued an explicit threat to attack any US military vessel that attempts to cross the Strait of Hormuz, warning it would strike “within minutes,” according to Ada Derana.
The threat represents a sharp escalation during what is nominally a two-week ceasefire period brokered by Pakistan, with US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff currently in Islamabad for indirect negotiations with Iranian officials.
Ceasefire under strain
The warning comes on the same day Washington reportedly agreed to release frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar and foreign banks — a major goodwill gesture that Iran’s Hormuz threat now undercuts.
Iran has maintained varying degrees of control over the strait since first blockading it in early April. A controlled reopening was announced during the initial ceasefire, but re-closures and transit fee demands have kept shipping lanes unstable.
Sri Lanka implications
Any renewed Hormuz blockade directly threatens Sri Lanka’s fuel supply chain. The country has secured 12 refined fuel shipments for April through alternative routes, but a prolonged closure would strain emergency arrangements and keep fuel rationing measures in force beyond the Avurudu holiday.
The threat also complicates the US-Russia oil sanctions waiver that Sri Lanka is relying on to diversify energy supply away from the Gulf.
Sources: Ada Derana
