In a move that could further intensify regional tensions, the Iranian military has warned oil tankers transiting through the Strait of Hormuz to adhere to approved routes or face a "forceful response." The statement was issued by the Khatam al-Anbiya military command and broadcast on Iranian state television. This development comes amid ongoing negotiations for a permanent end to the Iran-U.S. conflict, with recent diplomatic meetings held in Qatar. The warning was issued as Iran prepares for the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who passed away during the initial stages of the war in February. Meanwhile, tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for international energy supplies. The U.S. military's Central Command recently emphasized their commitment to the free flow of commerce through the strait, which could have potentially provoked Iran's warning. Previously, Iran had agreed to allow ships passage without charges as part of an interim deal, but insisted on controlling the routes and later charging fees for passage. This demand has been met with opposition from the U.S. and many Gulf Arab states. The Strait of Hormuz has been a hotspot of recent attacks, most notably Iran's strikes on two commercial vessels in June. Despite these incidents, ship traffic in the strait has shown signs of rebounding, with at least 258 ships transiting last week, according to marine data and analysis company Lloyd's List Intelligence. However, the volatile situation in the region continues to pose challenges for ship operators, who must navigate between complying with Iran's demands or opting for riskier routes monitored by U.S. forces.