Iran Issues Fresh Warning to Oil Tankers Transiting Strait of Hormuz
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The Iranian government has warned oil tanker vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to increase vigilance amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East. The warning was issued by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a conflict escalation with the United States and Israel.
The warning was conveyed by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who urged oil tankers and all maritime activities in the region to exercise caution whilst the security situation remains unstable.
“Whilst the situation is unsafe, I believe all oil tankers, all maritime navigation, must be extremely cautious,” he stated, as quoted by CNBC International on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
Baghaei also defended Iran’s attacks on several targets in the Gulf region, characterising them as self-defence. He asserted that strikes against US military bases in the area are lawful under international law.
“What we have done against the bases and military assets of the aggressors, the United States, in this region is lawful under international law,” Baghaei said.
The geopolitical tensions have also roiled global energy markets. Crude oil prices were reported to have surged above US$100 (approximately Rp1.69 million) per barrel. The surge occurred after the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a primary global oil distribution route, was disrupted by the conflict.
Baghaei also affirmed that Iran is prepared to face a prolonged conflict with the US and Israel. According to him, Tehran has prepared for various scenarios, including worst-case scenarios such as a ground invasion.
Amidst this situation, Iran is also entering a new phase of national leadership. Baghaei stated that the people and state institutions will unite under the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has recently been appointed to replace his father, Ali Khamenei, who died on the first day of the war.
“State institutions, the people, and the government have all demonstrated that they will unite around the new leadership,” he said.
He also responded to statements by US President Donald Trump regarding possible interference in determining Iran’s leadership. Baghaei firmly rejected the notion and asserted that only the Iranian people have the right to determine their leaders and system of government without external interference.