Iran asserts control over Strait of Hormuz, allowing only non-hostile vessels to pass after coordination, impacting regional navigation.
Iran has announced its intention to indefinitely monitor the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and has begun implementing plans in this direction. According to the new regulation, vessels that do not harbor 'hostile elements' will be allowed to transit, provided they coordinate in advance with Iranian authorities (and pay a transit fee in some cases). However, the passage of vessels connected to Israel, the United States, and the parties involved in the conflict has been completely prohibited.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy used this new authority for the first time in an administrative capacity on Wednesday, blocking the passage of a container ship heading from the Persian Gulf to Pakistan.
The Vessel Named 'Selen' Turned Back
On March 24, the 6,800 DWT container ship Selen broadcasted a message 'Food for Pakistan' via AIS (Automatic Identification System) while progressing from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, heading towards Karachi. AIS data provided by Pole Star Global indicated that the ship was approaching the Iranian-controlled traffic lane near Qeshm Island, but around 13:00 local time (10:00 GMT), it reversed its course and anchored off the southwestern coast of the island. By midnight, the ship was still waiting at the same point.
The IRGC Navy Commander confirmed in a statement that the vessel was not allowed to transit. This incident has been recorded as the first 'administrative denial' enforced under the IRGC's control protocol in the Strait of Hormuz. In previous interventions, the IRGC had been using direct operational force against unauthorized vessels.
In a statement from the IRGC, it was noted, 'The container ship named Selen has been turned back due to non-compliance with legal protocols and lack of transit permission. Any vessel using this waterway must ensure full coordination with Iranian maritime authorities.'
Regional and Global Reactions
Iran's de facto control over the strait has become one of the most strategic bargaining chips in potential ceasefire negotiations, while being described as 'unacceptable' for U.S. allies in the region.
Former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani commented on the issue, stating, 'The Strait of Hormuz is not a bargaining chip or a tool for pressure. It is an international waterway that must remain open without any restrictions. The attempt to impose unilateral control is a direct threat not only to the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council but also to the global economy.'
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
