ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday declared that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only possible via routes designated by Iran, rejecting a newly announced shipping corridor established by Oman in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
"Without prior notice or coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the IRGC Navy said, “certain authorities announced a new route for vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz," according to a statement released by state media.
"The only authorized routes for passage through the Strait of Hormuz are those designated by the Islamic Republic of Iran," the statement read.
The warning comes a day after Oman announced a temporary shipping transit corridor through the strategic waterway, saying the initiative was coordinated with the IMO to ensure freedom of navigation without imposing transit tolls.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Wednesday that about 20 million barrels of crude oil transited the Strait of Hormuz that day, equivalent to roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption, Reuters reported.
The Omani plan was introduced following last week's US-Iran ceasefire agreement, which led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after months of maritime restrictions imposed during the US-Iran war that began in late February before the parties reached a ceasefire on April 8.
The corridor was presented as a temporary humanitarian and commercial measure while discussions continue over the future administration of the waterway.
"The movement of vessels outside of these routes is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited," it said, warning all ships "to strictly refrain from any transit outside of the officially notified routes."
The force also announced that "coordination with the IRGC Navy via Channel 16 is mandatory for passage through the Strait of Hormuz," adding that "action will be taken against violating vessels."
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass, reopened last week after Iran lifted its blockade under a 60-day ceasefire framework agreed with the US.
According to the IMO, at least 40 ships were attacked and 11 seafarers were killed during the conflict, which severely disrupted maritime traffic through one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.
According to a live maritime reporting site, a crude oil tanker by the name of STOIC WARRIOR is currently continuing through the Omani-designated safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz despite the IRGC Navy’s warning. It remains to be seen what kind of action the IRGC will take in response.
