Iran has announced that ships passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz must coordinate with the Iranian navy, amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel. The statement was made by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei and reported by Mehr News Agency.

Baghaei emphasised that the security of the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for Iran, as the country’s own security is closely linked to the stability of the region. With the longest coastlines along the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, Iran claims it has historically taken responsibility for protecting the vital maritime route.

The comments came alongside strong statements from Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who reportedly vowed that Iran would continue to fight and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut as leverage against the United States and Israel. These remarks were among his first public comments since he succeeded his father.

Khamenei also urged neighbouring countries to close US military bases operating within their territories and warned that Iran could target them if tensions continue to escalate.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, with a large portion of global crude oil supplies passing through it daily. Any disruption to the waterway could have serious consequences for global energy markets.

Following the statements, oil prices surged again, climbing above $100 per barrel after earlier declines that were driven by hopes of a quick resolution to the conflict.