In a move that escalates regional tensions, Iran's joint military command has warned oil tankers transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to adhere to approved routes or face a forceful response. The statement, broadcast by Iranian state television, was made days before the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's official funeral. Negotiations for a permanent end to the ongoing Iran conflict have placed the strait at the forefront of discussions. The warning comes after recent diplomatic meetings in Qatar involving US and Iranian diplomats. The Strait of Hormuz, the narrow entrance to the Persian Gulf, is crucial for international energy supplies. Iran's demand for control over the routes of vessels transiting the strait has been met with resistance from the US and many Gulf Arab states. Recent attacks across the Middle East, including one sparked by an attempt to launch a new route near Oman’s shore, highlight the escalating tensions in the region. Despite these incidents, ship traffic in the strait has rebounded, albeit still far below pre-war levels. The US military's Central Command had recently emphasized their commitment to ensuring the free flow of commerce through the strait, which could have provoked Iran's warning. The upcoming funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei is expected to further complicate the already complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.