Iran’s joint military command issued a warning on Thursday regarding all oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. They are required to follow approved routes or else face a “forceful response.” This move has heightened tensions over the vital waterway crucial for global energy supplies.
The strait, located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, has become a focal point in negotiations to end the ongoing conflict with Iran. The statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya military command, as relayed by Iranian state TV, follows meetings between U.S. and Iranian diplomats with mediators in Qatar.
The trigger for Iran’s threat remains unclear, but the U.S. military’s Central Command mentioned a meeting with officials from Middle Eastern countries in Bahrain. This meeting emphasized the commitment to ensuring the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, which seemingly irked Iran.
Iran’s warning stated that any deviation from approved routes or disobedience of navigation protocols within the strait would prompt an immediate and forceful response from their armed forces. They emphasized that such actions would endanger the security of the violating vessels.
Furthermore, Iran criticized the presence of U.S. fighter jets over the strait, claiming it creates insecurity and threatens regional stability. They cautioned that any U.S. interference in security matters or disruptive actions in the strait would be viewed as a threat to Iran’s national sovereignty, met with a swift and resolute reaction.
Amidst the tensions, Iran and the United States had previously agreed to a temporary arrangement allowing ships to pass through without fees for a limited period. However, Iran insisted on controlling vessel routes and later imposing charges for passage, disrupting long-standing practices in the waterway.
Despite recent conflicts and attacks in the region, ship traffic in the strait has shown signs of recovery. The number of vessels transiting the waterway has increased, with at least 258 ships reported last week, up from 138 the previous week. While tensions persist, recent talks have shown positive developments, with hopes for further progress following the upcoming funeral of Iran’s late supreme leader.