A new Iranian warning comes as tanker incidents in the strategic waterway reach their highest weekly level since the U.S.-Iran war began.

Iran has issued a fresh warning over the Strait of Hormuz, saying it will soon close routes it considers illegal as tensions around the strategic waterway continue.

Mohammadreza Naqdi, an adviser to the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, told semi-official Fars News Agency that Iran considers the strait closed and claims its armed forces have full control of it.

The statement comes amid continued uncertainty over the security of commercial shipping.

Tanker incidents surge

Maritime-security sources tracking the region recorded at least 12 attacks, attempted attacks and harassment incidents involving tankers during the week from September 28 to October 5.

Reuters reported that this was the highest weekly number since the U.S.-Iran war began on February 28.

The incidents involved oil, LNG and LPG tankers and included drone activity, surveillance and radio contact by Iranian forces, according to maritime-security data.

Why Hormuz matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global energy markets.

Large volumes of oil and other energy products move through the region, meaning prolonged disruption could affect prices far beyond the Middle East.

India also reported that 12 crew members were injured after an unidentified projectile struck an oil tanker passing through the strait.

Iran’s latest statement therefore arrives at a particularly sensitive moment.

Global markets remain exposed

Although Gulf oil exports temporarily exceeded pre-war levels during parts of September, continuing attacks and logistical problems are raising questions about whether those flows can remain stable.

For governments and energy traders, the central issue is no longer simply how much oil exists.

It is whether ships can safely move it through the region.