"Vessels must coordinate with the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) when transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Passage is only permitted via the route announced by Iran. Navigating alternative routes is dangerous and strictly prohibited," the IRGC stated today.

This announcement follows the IRGC's declaration that "some authorities have announced new transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz," deeming such actions unacceptable. The force indicated that vessels must coordinate with the IRGC navy via channel 16 during transit and warned of action against violators, though specific measures were not detailed.

Maritime channel 16, operating at 156,800 MHz on the VHF band, serves as the international channel for emergency, safety, and distress calls at sea. All vessels must continuously monitor channel 16 to ensure maritime safety.

Transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

The Combined Maritime Information Centre, part of the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), reported on 18/6 that "the southern transit lane, along the coast of Oman, is guaranteed to be mine-free and is the recommended route." It also published a series of coordinates for safe passage.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas transits. This vital shipping lane had been closed following the outbreak of conflict in late February. Iran lifted its blockade of the strait under a joint memorandum signed with the US on 17/6, concurrently declaring that the only transit route Tehran permits is the corridor running along its coastline.

The memorandum acknowledges Iran's certain forms of control over the strait. The document stipulates that Iran and Oman will establish a mechanism for managing and providing maritime services, with no nation permitted to collect fees for 60 days. However, it remains silent on conditions beyond that period.

Iran has repeatedly asserted its right to levy fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials characterize these as service fees, not transit charges. However, numerous maritime transport experts view this distinction as a linguistic evasion.

A cargo ship anchored off Bandar Abbas, Iran, on 11/6. *Photo: AP*

On 23/6, Iran and Oman announced the formation of a joint working group between their foreign ministries. This group aims to "reach an agreement on the future management of maritime activities in the Strait of Hormuz, the services to be provided, and associated costs in accordance with international standards."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, asserting that no nation should collect transit or other fees. He underscored this as a common practice for all international shipping lanes, stressing that the US "expects this principle to be applied in the Strait of Hormuz."

Nguyen Tien (According to Tasnim, AP, AFP)