Iran warns ships against using unapproved routes in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's military command has threatened ships using unapproved routes in the Strait of Hormuz with a "forceful response." This warning, issued by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, comes a day after Qatari mediators reported "positive progress" in indirect US-Iranian talks. The statement indicated that any vessel failing to comply with designated navigation protocols would face immediate action and endanger its security. This development follows a US Central Command statement about a regional security dialogue emphasizing the free flow of commerce in the strait. Iran's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs criticized the US-led forum, asserting that regional security depends on ending foreign interventions and respecting national sovereignty.

Iran's joint military command issued a warning that all oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz must adhere to approved routes or face a "forceful response." The statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya military command, aired on state television, indicated that deviations from designated routes or disregard for Iranian navigation protocols would result in immediate action by the armed forces, endangering the violating vessels. Iran also cited the presence of U.S. fighter jets over the strait as a cause of insecurity. This warning comes amid ongoing negotiations to end the Iran war and follows a U.S. Central Command statement emphasizing a shared commitment to the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, a phrase that may have angered Iran.