This happened even though Iran said vessels from friendly nations, including China, could pass through the strait.

Some media outlets had reported that a cargo ship carrying material for manufacturing weapons for Israel had docked at the Abu Qir Port in Egypt.

Iran has already been accused of tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply is transported.

The government did not say how many vessels were involved or what conditions were attached to the clearance.

The operation took place off the coast of Lahj Governorate, leading to the arrest of 10 crew members and the seizure of unauthorised cargo.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) said it is closely watching a sharp rise in detentions of Panama-flagged ships in China.