Sardar Mohebbi, a spokesman for Iran’s IRGC, has said that any vessels violating “the management process of the Strait of Hormuz” imposed by Tehran “will be forcefully stopped”, Al Jazeera reports.

“There has been no change in the management process of the Strait of Hormuz. Any maritime movement of civilian and commercial vessels that complies with the transit protocols issued by the IRGC Navy and takes place through the specified route in coordination will be safe and sound,” he said in a statement carried by Fars news agency.

“Other maritime movements that are contrary to the principles announced by the IRGC Navy will face serious risks. Violating vessels will be forcefully stopped,” he added.

“It is essential that all shipping companies and transport insurance companies pay attention to the IRGC’s announcements,” Mohebbi was quoted as saying.