Pakistan, Oct. 8 -- Tanker operators face rising security risks as Iran threatens to block additional routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The warnings have increased concerns over oil shipments and global economic disruption.

Iran has warned regional countries against opening new routes for oil exports, according to a senior official. The official said Tehran would consider such moves hostile. The plan was reportedly agreed by Iran's political leadership and Revolutionary Guards.

The warning follows the highest number of tanker attacks in the waterway since the Iran war began. The attacks have reduced the number of vessels attempting to cross Hormuz to its lowest level in more than two months. A regional diplomat said Iran could use mi...