Iran has warned that vessels from countries supporting the United States sanctions policy may face restrictions when transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Axar.az reports, citing IRNA, that military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said countries that follow Washington’s sanctions against Iran would “certainly face difficulties” when passing through the strategic waterway.

Akraminia said the recent military confrontation with the United States and Israel pushed Iran to make greater use of the Strait of Hormuz’s geopolitical importance and that Tehran is now “exercising sovereignty” over the area.

He added that any vessel transiting the strait must coordinate its passage with Iranian authorities, stating that these measures could provide strategic benefits for the country.

The remarks come amid renewed tensions in the Persian Gulf following recent exchanges of strikes between Iran and U.S. forces near the Strait of Hormuz.