Iran has warned ships operating in the Strait of Hormuz not to use unapproved shipping routes, saying such actions could pose serious security risks.
Iranian authorities said all vessels should follow officially designated navigation channels and comply with instructions issued by maritime authorities to ensure the safety of ships, their crews, and cargo.
The warning comes amid continued tensions in the region, which have raised concerns about maritime security and the uninterrupted flow of global energy supplies through the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping routes for crude oil and liquefied natural gas, with a significant share of global energy exports passing through it each day.
Analysts say any disruption to navigation or increased security restrictions in the Strait could affect international trade and contribute to higher global oil prices because of the route's critical importance to the world economy.