Tehran warns vessels against using alternative transit corridors in the Strait of Hormuz without prior coordination, escalating tensions over key oil shipping lanes.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared unauthorized shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz “unacceptable and dangerous,” vowing action against vessels ignoring its directives. The warning follows proposals for alternative corridors, including a southern route near Omani waters, deemed mine-free by a naval information group last week.
The Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows, saw transits triple to 93 vessels recently, though uncertainty persists despite a U.S.-Iran memorandum to reopen the artery. Iran insists only its designated routes are permissible, requiring coordination via official channels.
The IRGC Navy emphasized that navigation outside approved corridors is prohibited, raising risks for shipowners amid heightened geopolitical friction. The stance underscores Iran’s intent to maintain control over the waterway, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil trade.