Iran warns oil tankers to use approved routes in Strait of Hormuz or face a ‘forceful response’

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s joint military command has warned that all oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz must use its approved routes or face a “forceful response.” The statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya military command was aired on Iranian state television Thursday. It wasn’t immediately clear what sparked the threat from Iran. The statement said any failure to comply with the navigation protocols will be met with an immediate response from the armed forces. It also said the continued presence of U.S. fighter jets over the strait “causes insecurity in this waterway and threatens regional security.”