Iran warns oil tankers to use approved routes in Strait of Hormuz or face a ‘forceful response’
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s joint military command warned Thursday that all oil tankers are passing through this area Strait of Hormuz Must use approved routes or face “strong backlash” again escalating tension It is on a waterway that is vital for international energy resources.
The strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, has emerged as one of the most important issues in negotiations to end the Iran war permanently. The statement made by the Hatem al-Anbiya military command, reported by Iranian state television, came after both US and Iranian diplomats met with US officials. Mediators in Qatar on Wednesday.
It was not immediately clear what triggered the threat from Iran. However, the US military’s Central Command made a statement regarding a meeting with officials from Middle Eastern countries in Bahrain, stating that “the leaders underlined their common determination for the free flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz.”
This seems like a statement that would anger Iran as it prepares for the funeral ceremony to begin this weekend. late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali KhameneiKilled in the first moments of the war in February.
Iran said in its statement: “Failure to comply with the navigation protocols of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, deviation from the designated route or failure to comply with them will be met with an immediate and strong response by the armed forces, and the security of the violating ships will be endangered.” The statement was included.
It was also stated that the continued presence of US warplanes over the strait “causes insecurity in this waterway and threatens regional security.”
Iran warned, “Any attempt by the United States to intervene in security issues or any subversive action in the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a threat to Iran’s national sovereignty and will be met with a rapid and decisive response.” The statement was included.
Iran and the USA reached an agreement as part of an interim agreement Allowing ships to pass without paying for 60 days. But Tehran has upended decades-old practices in the waterway by insisting that ships control their routes and then charge fees for passage.
USA and many Gulf Arab countries They say they will not accept the accusations. An effort by Oman and the United Nations agency to launch a new route close to the Omani coast sparked attacks in the Middle East last weekend, exposing tensions.
