Iran threatens 'forceful response' to tankers ignoring approved Hormuz routes
Crude oil prices have gained after Iran's joint military command warned of a "forceful response" against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz that fail to follow its approved shipping routes.
IMAGE: The Strait of Hormuz. Getty Images
Commercial vessels failing to comply with Iran’s designated routes via the Strait of Hormuz will be “met with an immediate and resolute response,” Iran’s joint military command said in a statement to state media controlled by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
The news has put some upward pressure on Brent crude’s price – reversing the sharp declines seen earlier this week following productive US-Iran talks in Doha, Qatar.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi claimed on social media platform X that the Iranian government defines the routes in the Persian Gulf, not the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
“Any attempt by the United States to interfere in security affairs… will be met with a swift and decisive response,” the IRIB reported citing Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military command.
The development comes after the US CENTCOM commander met with military officials from all major Middle East nations on Wednesday – highlighting a mutual pledge to ensure safe vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has slightly recovered this week, following a weekend of fire exchanges between the US and Iran, which nearly derailed ongoing diplomatic efforts before both sides opted to de-escalate.
A total of 43 vessels crossed the Strait on Wednesday, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward. This included a sanctioned oil tanker carrying about 2 million bbls of crude oil, bound for China.
A key element of the 60-day US-Iran peace accord is the reopening of this vital oil chokepoint, which handles nearly 20% of global oil supplies.
The temporary agreement seeks to ease the surge in oil prices, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the onset of the conflict in February.
By Aparupa Mazumder
Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online
