Iran asserts control over Hormuz transit, warns against uncoordinated routes

Iran’s IRGC Navy warned that any new Strait of Hormuz transit route established without Tehran’s coordination is unacceptable and dangerous, demanding vessels use Iran-designated corridors and contact the IRGC Navy via a designated channel or face enforcement action. The warning comes as a U.S.–Iran memorandum to reopen the energy artery creates cautious optimism, but traffic remains far below pre-war levels. Recent data show 93 transits last weekend (vs. over 100 previously) and 31 verified crossings on Tuesday, with vessels using mixed Iranian, Omani, and IMO routes. Analysts fear that sustained Iranian control could permanently reduce oil flows through Hormuz, even as U.S. sanctions on related authorities continue to complicate navigation."