Iranian Military Warns of Strong Response to Vessels Deviating from Designated Hormuz Routes

The Iranian military has reiterated its stance that it will take strong action against any vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while deviating from designated shipping lanes, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported on July 2 (local time).

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversees the integrated command of the Iranian military, stated in a release on July 2 that "all oil tankers and merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz must use the routes designated by Iran." The statement warned that "any deviation from these designated routes or disregard for navigation regulations will be met with an immediate and strong response."

The Iranian military also issued a warning to the United States regarding security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement declared that "any attempt or interference by the U.S. to intervene in the security of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a threat to Iran's national sovereignty," adding that "a swift and decisive response will follow."

The statement further emphasized that "the continued presence of U.S. military aircraft, whether manned or unmanned, over the strait causes instability in the waterway and threatens regional security," and that "to defend our territorial rights, we will not hesitate to take necessary measures against any acts of aggression or violations by U.S. forces and their allies."

Previously, Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ending hostilities, recently signed by the U.S. and Iran, included a provision stating that "Iran will do its utmost to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels."

Based on this, Iran claims that it has been granted exclusive authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz. The country maintains that after the 60-day follow-up negotiation period with the U.S. concludes, it may impose fees on vessels passing through the strait under the pretext of providing services.

Furthermore, as an extension of this logic, Iran has insisted that merchant vessels must use the routes it has designated rather than the routes along the Omani coast supported by the U.S., and it maintains its position that it may block passage if these instructions are ignored.

In contrast, the U.S. seeks to restore free passage in the Strait of Hormuz as it existed before the war.

The U.S. has been expanding the shipping lanes into a two-way system to increase traffic along the Omani side of the strait, opposite Iran, while encouraging merchant vessels to use the Omani routes.

Meanwhile, Iran's state-run IRIB reported that a foreign container ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz the previous day after deviating from the authorities' designated route and entering shallow waters.

However, specific details, such as the name of the grounded vessel, were not disclosed.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.