Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, Jul 3: Iran has warned that all oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz must follow navigation routes approved by Tehran or face a "forceful response", raising fresh concerns over security in one of the world's most vital energy shipping lanes amid ongoing peace talks with the United States.
The warning was issued on Thursday by Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command and broadcast by state television. It came a day after US and Iranian officials met mediators in Qatar as negotiations continued over a permanent end to the conflict.
In its statement, the military command said any vessel failing to comply with Iran's designated routes or navigation protocols would face an "immediate and forceful response" from the country's armed forces.
It also warned that any interference by US forces in the strategic waterway would be met with a "rapid and decisive reaction."
The statement followed comments by the US Central Command after a meeting with Middle East officials in Bahrain, where participants reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran did not specify the reason for its warning, the remarks came amid heightened tensions over control of the key maritime route.
Under an interim agreement, Iran and the US had allowed commercial vessels to pass through the strait without charges for 60 days. However, Tehran has maintained that it should regulate shipping routes and eventually levy transit fees, a position rejected by the US and several Gulf Arab nations.
Efforts by Oman and a United Nations agency to establish an alternative shipping route closer to Oman's coastline have also added to regional tensions following a series of attacks in the area last weekend.
Despite recent security concerns, commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has continued to recover. According to maritime analytics firm Lloyd's List Intelligence, at least 258 vessels passed through the waterway last week, up from 138 the previous week, despite recent Iranian strikes on commercial ships.
Maritime experts, however, cautioned that the situation remains volatile, with ship operators facing uncertainty over whether to comply with Iran's navigation demands or use routes monitored by US forces.