Iran warns ships against deviating from Strait of Hormuz route

Iran's top envoy has warned shipping vessels against deviating from the "most optimal route" through the Strait of Hormuz. The warning comes after Oman opened its territorial waters to ship traffic through the strait. Iran is now demanding that ships sailing through the strait navigate closer to its own shores. Dozens of ships have sailed along the opposite side of the strait, near Oman's coast, this week.

The envoy stated that such actions would increase tensions in the Middle East and reduce the chances of peace. Iran's Revolutionary Guard has also announced plans to take measures to control traffic through the strait, vowing to crack down harder on ships violating navigation rules.

Since the conflict between the United States and Iran began, Iran has largely blocked all oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, impacting oil prices and global trade. The strait spans the territorial waters of Oman and Iran. However, according to traditional international law, neither country can generally block passage or collect tolls.

Despite a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, clashes around the Strait of Hormuz have repeatedly flared up. Most recently, the United States fired on military targets in Iran earlier today. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks against U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.