Iran warns oil tankers to follow approved Hormuz routes or face action

Dubai: Iran's joint military command warned Thursday that all oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz must use its approved routes or face a "forceful response."

The statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya military command was aired on Iranian state television.

It wasn't immediately clear what sparked the threat from Iran.


"Any failure to comply, deviation from the designated route, or disregard for the navigation protocols of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with an immediate and forceful response from the armed forces, endangering the security of the violating vessels," the statement said.

It also said the continued presence of U.S. fighter jets over the strait "causes insecurity in this waterway and threatens regional security."