Iran's military command has warned that oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz must use approved routes or face immediate retaliation, escalating tensions amid ongoing war negotiations and funeral preparations for the late Supreme Leader.
Iran's joint military command issued a stern warning on Thursday (Jul 2) that all oil tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz must adhere to approved routes designated by Tehran or face a forceful response, escalating tensions over the strategic waterway crucial for global energy supplies.
The statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya military command, broadcast by Iranian state television, comes amid ongoing negotiations to end the war that began in February with the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The warning also comes just a day after US and Iranian diplomats met with mediators in Qatar, signaling that the strait remains a flashpoint in the conflict.
The Iranian statement explicitly warned that any failure to comply with navigation protocols deviation from the designated route or disregard for Iran's authority in the Strait of Hormuz would be met with an immediate and forceful response from the armed forces endangering the security of violating vessels. It also asserted that any interference by US forces in the strait would provoke a rapid and decisive reaction.
The warning follows a period of heightened tensions in which Iran struck two commercial vessels on June 25 and 27, though ship traffic has since rebounded. According to marine data provider Lloyd's List Intelligence, at least 258 ships transited the waterway last week, up from 138 the previous week, though that remains far below the pre-war daily average of about 130 vessels.
The backdrop to this warning includes the ongoing funeral preparations for Khamenei, whose remains were shown on Iranian state television arriving at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiya for a farewell ceremony. Hundreds of mourners were seen praying near the casket covered with a green cloth, with a week-long official funeral expected to start on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the US military's Central Command issued a statement after a meeting with Mideast nations in Bahrain, underscoring a shared commitment to the free flow of commerce through the strait. However, Iran's insistence on controlling vessel routes and charging fees upends decades of practice. Despite efforts by Oman and a UN agency to create an alternative route near Oman's shore, shipping operators face a precarious choice between complying with Iran's demands or risking passage monitored by US forces.
As Richard Meade of Lloyd's List noted nothing about this situation is stable with routes chosen hourly based on shifting political approvals and real-time security assessments. He emphasized that this is not the new normal with the situation remaining highly volatile and contingent on the outcome of diplomatic talks which Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi described as showing positive progress
Please follow us on Google to support usIran Strait Of Hormuz Oil Tankers Military Warning Tensions
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oil Prices Drop to Lowest Since March on US-Iran Talks OptimismOil prices fell over one percent on July 1 to their lowest since March as optimism about US-Iran talks in Qatar eased supply concerns. Brent crude settled at $71.57 a barrel, down 1.89%, while WTI crude fell 1.32% to $68.58. Analysts noted that positive developments in the negotiations, aimed at securing Strait of Hormuz shipping and a ceasefire, contributed to the decline, with expectations of increased oil production. Meanwhile, US crude inventories hit their lowest since September 2018 due to rising refinery demand ahead of the July 4 holiday.
Read more »
US, Iran, and Qatar make progress in indirect talks in DohaUS, Iran, and mediators Qatar and Pakistan have made positive progress in indirect talks in Doha, despite exchanges of fire this week. An interim deal has been agreed to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities, but major questions still need to be tackled in talks, including Iran's nuclear programme.
Read more »
Iran Warns Oil Tankers: Adhere to Our Routes or Face Consequences in Strait of HormuzIran's military command escalates tensions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, warning oil tankers to comply with their navigation protocols or face a 'forceful response'. This comes amidst diplomatic efforts and the upcoming funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader.
Read more »
Iran Warns of Forceful Response if Oil Tankers Deviate from Approved Routes in Strait of HormuzIran has warned of a forceful response if oil tankers deviate from approved routes when transiting the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
Read more »