Image for representation purposes only Iran warned on Sunday that ships should not use an alternative route through the Strait of Hormuz, saying any move away from the transit corridor it has set would increase tensions and delay the full reopening of one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. The warning came as the United States and Iran exchanged fresh military strikes, adding to uncertainty in the Gulf despite a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war launched by the United States and Israel in February. The conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and shook global oil and energy markets before a ceasefire came into effect in April. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said any attempt to introduce shipping arrangements different from those put in place by Iran would make the situation more complicated and increase tensions. “I urge all parties… to adhere to the memorandum of understanding and not to allow this MoU to deviate from its course,” Araghchi said. The warning follows Oman’s announcement this week of an alternative shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coastline. Muscat said the route was developed together with the International Maritime Organization. Iran currently requires ships passing through the strait to use a corridor close to its own coast. However, dozens of vessels have travelled this week along the opposite side of the waterway near Oman. The Strait of Hormuz carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas during normal times. It lies within both Iranian and Omani territorial waters, but under customary international law, neither country can generally block ships from passing through or charge transit fees. During the war, Iran stopped most ships from using the strait, giving it significant influence over one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Although a ceasefire began in April, occasional