Iran's state television reported on 1/7 that a vessel ran into trouble after choosing an unapproved shipping route. This led the ship into shallow waters, where it ran aground with its cargo and was unable to continue its journey.

Iranian media did not disclose the ship's name, its country of origin, or the incident's coordinates.

Iranian officials emphasized that vessels transiting the strait must comply with the instructions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC Navy), using only the corridor south of Larak island, which Tehran has designated as the sole entry and exit point.

Oil tankers and cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz on 11/3. Photo: AP

"The IRGC Navy has repeatedly warned captains, shipowners, and shipping companies worldwide that entering or exiting the strait via routes other than the 'Authorized Route' in the Persian Gulf could lead to irreparable incidents," Iran's state television reported.

This maritime incident occurred as the United States and Iran continue negotiations regarding the future of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a ceasefire agreement in June, Tehran agreed to allow commercial vessels from other countries free passage through the strait for 60 days. However, it asserted full control over the shipping lane and stated its intention to collect fees in the future.

Iran has also been accused of being behind two attacks on commercial vessels in recent days. These ships were transiting the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran's permission, and one was a crude oil tanker from Qatar.

Shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian

The United States and many Arab nations have opposed Tehran's plan to collect fees. Recent efforts by Oman and a United Nations (UN) agency to open a new shipping lane near the Omani coast have also heightened regional tensions.

On 23/6, Oman, in cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), opened a passage through its territorial waters. This initiative allowed stranded cargo ships and their crews in the Persian Gulf to depart. This alternative shipping lane directly challenged Iran's control over Hormuz, prompting an immediate objection from Tehran.

Iran declared that the only corridor vessels are permitted to use is the route running along its coastline, and all movements through Hormuz must be coordinated by the IRGC Navy. Other routes are deemed "unacceptable and extremely dangerous."

By Thanh Danh (AP, Reuters, Al Jazeera)