Iran has warned commercial vessels against using alternative routes through the Strait of Hormuz, saying such moves could increase tensions and delay efforts to restore normal shipping through the strategic waterway.

The warning came as the United States and Iran exchanged fresh military strikes despite a ceasefire reached earlier this year. The US said it targeted Iranian military sites over attacks on commercial shipping, while Iran responded with strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Iran insists that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz should follow a designated route close to its coastline and warned that vessels ignoring its traffic measures could face tougher action.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, carrying about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Analysts say the latest developments highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire and raise concerns over renewed instability in the Gulf.

The tensions have also spread to Lebanon, where Israel launched fresh strikes that Iran condemned as a violation of ongoing truce efforts.