Tehran: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy issued a stern warning on Tuesday, emphasizing that all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz must adhere to the designated routes announced by Iran. Any deviation from these routes would be deemed unsafe and could lead to what the IRGC described as 'decisive action.'

According to Anadolu Agency, the IRGC Navy communicated this directive via a post on the US social media platform X, highlighting the designated route as the 'only safe passage' through the crucial maritime corridor. The statement follows comments made by Yadollah Javani, the deputy political chief of the IRGC, who asserted that maritime transit in the Strait would require authorization from Iran.

Javani's remarks, broadcast by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, specified that vessels intending to navigate the waterway must seek permission from Iran's armed forces. He indicated that this 'new management' strategy for the Strait of Hormuz would underpin a broader regional and international framework. Additionally, Javani cautioned that vessels associated with what he termed 'hostile' entities would encounter decisive measures.

The warning is set against a backdrop of rising tensions in the Gulf region, marked by consecutive days of reported strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates. UAE authorities reported that their air defenses intercepted several missiles and drones launched from Iran, with one attack resulting in a significant fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone.

These regional frictions have intensified since the United States and Israel conducted strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory actions from Tehran and subsequent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire was put into effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but negotiations in Islamabad did not yield a permanent resolution. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a defined endpoint.

Since April 13, the United States has been enforcing a naval blockade aimed at restricting Iranian maritime activity in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.