TEHRAN, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The Navy Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Alireza Tangsiri, said on Tuesday that any vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz must fully coordinate with Iranian maritime authorities.

Writing on X, Tangsiri said IRGC naval forces had blocked a foreign container ship, identified as the "SELEN," after it failed to comply with required protocols and obtain a transit permit.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting Feb. 28 that targeted Tehran and other cities, prompting Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Israel and U.S. targets in the region.

Iran has since tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, restricting passage for vessels linked to the United States and Israel.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that insecurity in the waterway stems from the U.S. and Israeli attacks, adding that Iran's measures are in line with international law and aimed at defending its sovereignty.

In a phone call with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Araghchi said the strait is closed to vessels linked to the United States, Israel or parties involved in the attacks, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. He added that other vessels may transit the waterway in coordination with Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage. ■