IRGC warns against new Hormuz route for ships: What we know | US-Israel war on Iran News
Iran’s IRGC Issues Warning Amid Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz
TEHRAN — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has advised commercial vessels to adhere strictly to routes through the Strait of Hormuz that have been sanctioned by Tehran, highlighting ongoing tensions amid delicate negotiations between the United States and Iran concerning the crucial maritime passage.
The warning was issued following Oman’s announcement on Wednesday of a new shipping corridor through the strait, which was coordinated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This development comes as maritime traffic is gradually resuming after a period of significant disruption.
The strait remains a contentious point after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed last week by the United States and Iran, aimed at curbing hostilities in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. The agreement initiated a 60-day negotiation period with hopes of achieving a more stable peace arrangement.
The MoU allows for the reopening of the strait, which had been effectively closed by Iran amid severe shipping disruptions, with the U.S. responding by implementing a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Both Washington and Tehran declared the strait open for commercial shipping, although concerns linger regarding Iran’s potential desire for increased control over vessel movements. Questions about possible transit fees for ships traversing the strait may complicate the ongoing negotiations.
Significance of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz is a pivotal maritime route, accounting for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. At only about 50 kilometers wide at its narrowest points, it serves as a crucial passage between the Gulf and the Arabian Sea. In 2025, approximately 20 million barrels of oil and petroleum products were reported to transit through the strait daily, leading to significant annual energy trade.
The route is vital not only for Iran but also for several neighboring countries, including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is equally important for global fertilizer exports, as about one-third of international fertilizer trade typically flows through the waterway.
Disruptions within the strait can rapidly affect global energy prices and destabilize markets in the U.S., providing Iran with a significant leverage point in its ongoing tensions with Washington.
IRGC’s Concerns Over New Route
The IRGC criticized Oman and the IMO for announcing the new shipping corridor without prior consultation with Iran. In a statement, the IRGC asserted that only routes designated by Iran are authorized for transit, emphasizing the need for vessels to maintain contact with the IRGC Navy while navigating the strait.
This warning follows a recent passage by a Liberian oil tanker through a corridor closer to Oman’s coastline, prompting concerns from Iranian officials about potential bypassing of their control over shipping routes.
Oman defended its new corridor, stating that it aims to ensure safe navigation while adhering to international law. Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi reiterated the commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the strait and confirmed that no transit fees would be imposed.
Details of the U.S.-Iran Agreement
Under the terms of the recent MoU, Iran committed to facilitate safe passage for commercial vessels, free of charge, for a duration of 60 days from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman. However, the agreement specifies that the resumption of regular shipping routes would require mine-clearing operations, which are set to commence within 30 days.
While the memorandum supports the immediate resumption of commercial vessel traffic, it does not clarify the arrangements post-60-day period. Observers note that the rerouting of vessels was anticipated due to the mine-clearing operations, but the IRGC’s warning about vessel fees was an unexpected development.
Regulatory and Economic Considerations
Experts assert that international law generally protects the right of transit through international straits, complicating efforts by coastal states to impose unilateral fees. Although Iran has temporarily waived planned fees for the strait during negotiations, there are indications that charges could be considered after the negotiations conclude.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has explicitly stated that charging fees for passage through international waters would not be accepted, reiterating the consensus among Gulf nations against such tolls.
Current Shipping Status and Future Prospects
While some commercial shipping has resumed, traffic remains below prewar levels, with only 70 vessel crossings reported recently compared to the typical 120 to 140 per day. Shipping analytics firm Kpler noted that the recent U.S.-Iran MoU and the apparent easing of U.S. blockades have provided a temporary boost in confidence, though IRGC’s warning could introduce new strains.
The recent drop in oil prices—a decline to $72.24 per barrel—adds another layer of complexity to the economic dynamics at play, with stakeholders closely monitoring the situation.
Furthermore, the future of the Strait of Hormuz management is one of several crucial issues set for discussion in upcoming negotiations, alongside concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program and broader regional stability. If a comprehensive agreement is to be reached within the designated 60-day timeframe, demonstrable progress in negotiations will be essential.
