Iran’s joint military command issued a warning on Thursday, stating that all oil tankers traversing the Strait of Hormuz must follow routes approved by Iran. Failure to do so will result in a “forceful response.” The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for global energy supplies, making this development significant.
The announcement from the Khatam al-Anbiya military command was broadcast on Iranian state television. It follows diplomatic talks held between the U.S. and Iran, with mediators in Qatar aiming to bring a permanent resolution to ongoing tensions in the region.
Preparations are underway in Iran for the funeral of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He was killed early in the recent conflict, which started in February. Iranian state media showcased images of what they claimed to be Khamenei’s casket arriving at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiya. A large gathering is seen in the footage, engaging in prayers and mourning. The official funeral will commence over the weekend.
The reason behind Iran’s sharp warning on Thursday remains unclear. However, a statement from the U.S. Central Command issued around the same time may have played a role. The statement underscored the importance of maintaining free commerce through the strait. Iran’s statement indicated serious consequences for failure to comply with its navigation protocols in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. military presence in the area has also been warned against interference, which could provoke a “rapid and decisive reaction” from Iran. An interim deal allows vessels to pass the strait without charges for a designated period, but Iran plans to impose fees later, breaking long-standing practices.
The U.S. and Gulf Arab nations oppose Iran’s proposed charges. Recent efforts by Oman and a UN agency to establish a new route near Oman led to regional attacks, escalating tensions further.
Despite turmoil, ship movement through the strait is rebounding. Marine data reports from Lloyd’s List Intelligence show 258 ships passing last week, an increase from the previous week’s 138. This occurred despite Iran targeting two commercial vessels in late June.
Traffic levels have not returned to pre-conflict numbers, where 130 vessels regularly passed each day. Operators face the choice of complying with Iran’s control or using an alternative route watched by the U.S., creating an unstable environment. Routes are being selected based on fluctuating political tensions and security considerations.
An incident involving a foreign ship getting stranded in the strait due to non-compliance with Iran’s instructions was reported earlier. The ship is supposedly linked to Iran and has been immobile for months.
Despite these incidents, diplomatic discussions earlier in the week showed positive outcomes. Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi expressed optimism about planning further talks promptly post-Khamenei’s funeral.
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