Iran Threatens Force Against Tankers in Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Joint Military Command warned last night that all oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz must use approved routes. Otherwise, they will face a response by force. The warning further raises tensions around the strategic waterway, which is key to international energy supplies. The strait — the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf — has become one of the central issues in negotiations for a lasting end to the conflict between the United States and Iran.

The statement by the Khatam al-Anbiya military command, broadcast on Iranian state television, came after a meeting between U.S. and Iranian diplomats with mediators in Qatar on Wednesday. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement following a meeting with senior representatives from Middle Eastern countries in Bahrain, emphasizing a shared commitment to the free passage of commercial vessels through the strait. Iran and the United States have agreed, under a temporary memorandum, to allow ships to pass without fees for a period of 60 days.

Any non-compliance, deviation from the designated routes, or disregard for the navigation protocols of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with an immediate and decisive response by the armed forces, threatening the security of the violators, the Iranian statement said. It is not yet clear what prompted Tehran’s new threat, AP notes. This wording may have triggered Iran’s response as the country prepares for the weekend funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the beginning of the war in February.

There is currently no specific NATO initiative regarding the Strait of Hormuz, but all options are being examined, Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov said at a briefing at the Ministry of Defence after a meeting with NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.