Iran turns back tankers over 'unauthorized' Hormuz transit
Iranian authorities said they turned back three foreign tankers attempting to transit through an unauthorized corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that alternative routes established without Tehran's coordination are illegal and pose serious security risks to maritime traffic.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intercepted and turned back three foreign oil tankers toward the Gulf after they attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz through an "unauthorized" route early Friday, state-run broadcaster IRIB reported, marking the latest enforcement action in the vital waterway. The vessels had sought to pass through the southern corridor without coordinating with Iranian authorities, prompting intervention by the IRGC Navy.
The navy issued a warning at approximately 4 am local time (0030GMT) to all vessels operating in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman regarding the attempted transit. The warning declared that any alternative route established for crossing the strait without Tehran's coordination was "illegal, unacceptable and highly dangerous," according to the state-run broadcaster.
Maritime Safety Warnings
Iran's Gulf Waters Management Administration issued a separate caution that unauthorized passage outside Iran-designated routes could create significant security risks. The administration added that vessels using such corridors would be denied navigational services, placing responsibility for any consequences on vessel owners, operators and commanders.
The incident marks the latest enforcement action by Tehran in the strategic waterway, which serves as a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments. Iranian authorities have required all vessels to coordinate with local officials before entering territorial waters.
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