'Cannot guarantee safety of all ships in Strait of Hormuz'; Iran issues warning

TEHRAN: Iran has issued a stern warning to international shipping vessels against making operational arrangements that conflict with its national interests. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran maintains its own strategic priorities and decisions, asserting that the nation cannot guarantee the safety of ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz if they act against Iranian interests. The statement is also widely seen as a direct message to Gulf nations, cautioning them against aligning with the United States.

The warning follows a recent attack on a Taiwanese container vessel in the strategic waterway. Iranian officials emphasised that all shipping activities in the region must strictly adhere to the terms outlined in existing agreements. Gharibabadi warned that any further violations could prompt additional retaliatory measures, including the potential elimination of alternative shipping routes.

While Tehran continues to assert control over maritime movements in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States and six Gulf nations have jointly rejected Iran’s reported proposal to impose tolls on ships traversing the strategic choke point. The coalition called for the immediate restoration of free and unrestricted maritime traffic. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a sharp counter-warning, stating that any attempts by Iran to block or threaten international shipping would yield serious consequences.

Following the confirmation of the attack on the Taiwanese vessel, maritime tracking data indicated a significant drop in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Numerous vessels currently remain stranded across the Gulf region. In response to escalating security risks, the United Nations shipping agency has temporarily suspended a planned operation to evacuate hundreds of stranded ships and thousands of sailors from the volatile area.