Iran says US naval blockade has little impact on food supply

Iran says US naval blockade has little impact on food supply

Despite the US naval blockade, imports can still enter via land borders, while 85% of agricultural products and basic goods are produced domestically.

Iranians shop at a street market in northern Tehran, Iran, 16 April 2026. After failed negotiations in Islamabad, US President Trump directed the US Navy to implement a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz to halt Iran's maritime trade. EPA
Iranians shop at a street market in northern Tehran, with no immediate shortages of basic goods or food reported.  (EPA Images pic)
TEHRAN:
Iran’s agriculture minister said a US naval blockade has had little impact on the country’s ability to supply basic goods and food, citing strong domestic production and alternative import routes.

“Despite the US naval blockade, we have no problem in supplying basic goods and food because, due to the size of the country, it is possible to import from different borders,” Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri said on Tuesday.

“About 85% of agricultural products and basic goods are produced domestically, so the country’s food security is established,” he added, according to the official IRNA news agency.

The United States imposed a naval blockade on Iran’s ports and coasts on April 13, days after a ceasefire was announced that paused its war with Iran.

Iran has strongly criticised the blockade, describing it as a violation of the ceasefire.

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