Iran’s joint military command has issued a stern warning to oil tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the use of authorized routes or facing a robust retaliatory action. The advisory, delivered on July 2, coincides with escalating tensions surrounding the critical waterway for oil supply.
Negotiations to resolve the conflict stemming from the US and Israel’s joint strikes on significant Iranian locations on February 28 have heavily revolved around the strait. The Khatam al-Anbiya military command, as reported by Iranian state television, released the statement following discussions between US and Iranian diplomats and mediators in Qatar.
While the reason behind Iran’s caution to oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz remains unclear, the US military’s Central Command highlighted a meeting with Middle Eastern officials in Bahrain, emphasizing their mutual commitment to ensuring unhindered commerce through the strait.
In a bold declaration, Iran stated that any non-compliance, deviation from designated routes, or disregard for Iran’s navigation protocols in the strait would trigger an immediate and forceful response from its armed forces, jeopardizing the violating vessels’ security. Additionally, Iran warned of swift and decisive reactions to any US intervention in the waterway.
A temporary agreement between Iran and the US allowed ships to pass through the strait without fees for 60 days, with Iran asserting its right to regulate vessel routes and impose charges later. However, the US and several Gulf Arab nations have rejected the notion of Iran levying fees for passage, disrupting long-standing practices in the region.
Recent attempts by Oman and a UN agency to introduce an alternative route near Oman’s coast led to attacks across the Middle East last weekend. Despite these incidents, ship traffic through the strait has shown signs of recovery, with 258 vessels traversing the waterway in the past week, up from 138 the week before. Nevertheless, traffic levels remain below pre-war standards when around 130 ships passed through daily.
