Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz without approval from Tehran risk facing consequences, amid ongoing disagreements over the future management of the strategic shipping route.
The warning comes as discussions continue between Iran and the United States regarding the long-term arrangements governing the waterway, which was temporarily closed during the recent conflict between both countries.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Revolutionary Guards, the elite military force responsible for safeguarding Iran’s interests, insisted that ships must follow routes sanctioned by the Islamic Republic.
According to the statement, the only legitimate passage through the Strait of Hormuz is the corridor designated by Iranian authorities.
The Guards described any movement outside the approved route as unacceptable and potentially dangerous, cautioning that vessels failing to comply would face appropriate action.
The military body also criticised reports of an alternative shipping route being introduced by other authorities, although it did not specifically mention any country.
The remarks appeared to be directed at Oman, which recently announced a temporary maritime corridor near its coastline.
Omani officials unveiled a map of the route and said it was coordinated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency responsible for maritime safety and regulation.
The route proposed by Oman differs from the channel currently recognised by Iran, which follows a path closer to Iranian territorial waters.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical waterways in global trade, serving as the primary transit route for a significant portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
Industry estimates indicate that roughly 20 per cent of global energy shipments pass through the narrow waterway, making it a vital artery for international commerce.
At its narrowest point, the strait measures about 30 kilometres wide, leaving it highly vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and disruptions.
Last week, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending their recent conflict. Part of the agreement allows commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz without charges for a period of 60 days.
However, uncertainty remains over what framework will apply once the temporary arrangement expires.
Iran has indicated that it intends to introduce what it describes as maritime service fees, arguing that the charges would cover administrative and operational services rather than functioning as transit tolls.
The United States has strongly opposed that position, maintaining that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and should remain free from navigation charges.
Earlier this week, Iran and Oman announced plans to jointly assess the costs associated with managing and administering activities in the strait.
The discussions are expected to focus on service-related charges and operational requirements for vessels using the route.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s position during a visit to Gulf nations, stressing that the United States would not support the imposition of tolls or fees on international shipping.
The dispute highlights one of the major unresolved issues between Tehran and Washington despite recent efforts to ease tensions.
Shipping companies, oil traders and global markets are closely monitoring developments, as any disruption to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could have significant consequences for energy supplies and international trade.
