Iran Enforces 'Designated Routes' in Hormuz... Warns of Military Action Against Deviating Vessels

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has threatened to take military action against any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz unless they use only the routes designated by Iran. Ships are required to obtain prior transit approval from Iran and strictly adhere to the rules set by the country.

An image obtained by Reuters on the 24th of last month (local time) showing the Epaminondas ship being captured by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News.

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Sepah News, a media outlet affiliated with the IRGC, reported on the 5th (local time), citing the IRGC Navy's official X (formerly Twitter) account. The IRGC Navy Command warned that "only the route designated by Iran is safe" for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and stated that it may take strong action if ships deviate from this path.

The command further emphasized, "The only safe passage across the strait is the channel previously announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran," adding, "Deviating from other routes is unsafe, and any vessel doing so will face decisive measures by the IRGC Navy."

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This measure has already begun to alter shipping traffic. Some vessels are reportedly gathering in waters near Dubai and avoiding entering the strait, leading to a decrease in activity inside the strait itself. This is interpreted as shipping companies complying with Iran's guidance to avoid the risk of military conflict.

Iran has also begun operating a new 'sovereign maritime traffic regulation mechanism' in the Strait of Hormuz, which was previously regarded as international waters until the outbreak of the Middle East war. According to Iran's state-run Press TV on the same day, all vessels intending to transit the strait must receive instructions and passage regulations via Iran's official email channels.

This move is seen as a declaration by Iran to exercise 'sovereign control' throughout the Strait of Hormuz. Although the strait is not considered international waters under international law, it is classified as an international strait connecting high seas (or exclusive economic zones), and the right of 'transit passage' for ships is guaranteed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Iran defines these actions as part of its efforts to reshape regional order. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated, "There is no military solution," while Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, said, "A new equation is taking shape in Hormuz."

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