Iran Issues Stern Warning to Tanker Ships Attempting to Transit the Strait of Hormuz
Global oil prices have surged to exceed US$100 per barrel following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Against this backdrop, Iran has warned tanker ships transiting this strategically critical shipping route to heighten their vigilance.
“While the situation remains unsafe, I believe all tanker ships and all maritime activities should be extremely cautious,” said Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
Baghaei stressed that Iran will resist the United States and Israel. He stated that his country has prepared for various contingencies, including potential invasion through land routes.
Amid the escalating conflict, Baghaei also stated that Iran will unite under its new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. He was selected over the past weekend to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on the first day of war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran.
“State institutions, society, and all authorities have demonstrated that they will unite under the new leadership,” he said.
Iran Rejects US Interference
Baghaei also responded to statements by US President Donald Trump that implied the United States should have a role in determining Iran’s leadership.
“I believe this is a fundamental principle of international law and ethics that a nation determines its own destiny, free from foreign interference,” he said.
“It is the absolute right of the Iranian people to determine their leadership and system. It is entirely illegitimate for anyone outside Iran to say who should rule Iran,” Baghaei added.
When asked about Iranian attacks on several Gulf nations, including a desalination plant in Bahrain, oil refineries in Saudi Arabia, and civil infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, Baghaei affirmed that these actions constituted self-defence.
“We are defending ourselves under Article 51 of the UN Charter. All military bases, installations, and assets that in any form assist the aggressor are considered legitimate targets,” he concluded.