Iran's foreign minister warned Sunday that any attempt by vessels to bypass the routes Iran has set in the Strait of Hormuz would heighten tensions in the Middle East. The remarks came as US and Iranian forces resumed exchanging attacks.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that "any attempt to adopt a new or separate arrangement different from the measures Iran is currently undertaking will only further complicate the situation, delay the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and heighten tensions."
Iran expressed displeasure last week when Oman announced an alternative route running along its own coast. Oman said the route had been arranged in consultation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Iran continues to assert control over passage through the key strait, through which one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) normally passes. Iran did not hold such control before the war. The strait consists of Omani and Iranian territorial waters. However, under customary international law, neither country can block passage or impose tolls.
Nevertheless, Iran blocked the passage of most vessels during much of the war, securing enormous economic leverage. Iran's exercise of control has led to repeated clashes with the United States. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it struck 10 Iranian military targets, citing "Iran's continued aggression against commercial vessels." In response, Iran announced it had carried out retaliatory strikes on US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Iran is now requiring vessels passing through the strait to use routes near its own coast. However, dozens of vessels passed along the opposite Omani coast this week. The disclosed memorandum of understanding specifies that Iran will determine the future management of the strait through dialogue with Oman and other Gulf states, but in a manner "consistent" with international law.
Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it is taking measures to control passage through the strait and will deal more firmly than before with vessels that violate them. Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that as long as Iran manages the strait, the United States' "regional hegemonic ambitions will not be realized."
