Iran Warns Tankers in Strait of Hormuz to Follow Approved Routes or Face Action
Iran's joint military command issued a warning on Thursday stating that all oil tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz must adhere to designated routes approved by Tehran, or risk a "forceful response." The statement, broadcast by Iranian state television, escalates tensions in the strategic waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's oil passes.
The announcement comes amid ongoing negotiations between Iranian and US diplomats, who met with mediators in Qatar on Wednesday. The talks are part of broader efforts to resolve disputes over navigation rights and sanctions, though no breakthrough has been reported.
According to the Iranian military command, any deviation from the prescribed routes or disregard for Iran's navigation protocols "will be met with an immediate and forceful response from the armed forces, endangering the security of the violating vessels." The statement also warned that any interference by US forces in the strait would face a "rapid and decisive reaction."
Iran and the United States had agreed to a temporary 60-day arrangement allowing ships to pass without charges, but Tehran insists it must retain control over routing and intends to impose fees for passage—a demand rejected by the US and Gulf Arab states.
Despite the heightened rhetoric, ship traffic in the strait has shown signs of recovery. Data from Lloyd's List Intelligence indicates that 258 vessels transited the waterway last week, up from 138 the previous week. However, traffic remains far below pre-crisis levels, when about 130 ships passed daily. Analysts note that routing decisions are being made on an hour-by-hour basis, contingent on shifting political approvals and security assessments.
Earlier this week, Iranian state television reported that a foreign ship became stuck after ignoring Revolutionary Guard instructions, but details suggest the vessel may be Iranian and had been stranded for months.
Wednesday's talks in Qatar were described as making "positive progress" by Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, who expressed hope that the next round would be scheduled soon.
