IRGC turns back ships in Hormuz, warning against enemy vessels. Tensions rise as US-Iran negotiations continue amidst military movements.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that they turned back three ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the route closed to vessels linked to its enemies, reports Agence France-Presse.
The IRGC's announcement followed claims by the US president that the strait was open. They warned that vessels traveling to and from ports of allies of the 'Zionist-American' enemies would be prohibited.
This declaration raised uncertainty over access to the strategic waterway, which normally carries one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Iran recently approved 26 ships to transit via a route around Larak Island, dubbed the 'Tehran toll booth' by Lloyd's List.
Most of the approved vessels were Greek- and Chinese-owned, along with Indian, Pakistani, and Syrian ships. Energy data firm Kpler reported that two Cosco containerships attempted to cross but turned back. The identity of a third vessel was not disclosed.
US President Donald Trump stated that Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers through the strait as a gesture to support negotiations. Talks are being pursued via Pakistan, though no direct discussions have been confirmed.
Analysts warned that the situation remains unstable, with some suggesting that negotiations may fail or mask preparations for a US ground offensive. Thousands of US paratroopers and marines are reportedly heading to the region.
Iran has signaled it would use Houthi allies in Yemen to target Red Sea shipping if attacked. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned of a military response. The group previously disrupted traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in 2023.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell 95 percent from normal levels between March 1 and 26, according to Kpler. The UKMTO reported 24 commercial vessels, including 11 tankers, attacked or involved in incidents in the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman since March 1.
The UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) is the Royal Navy's coordination center for maritime security, acting as the primary point of contact for merchant shipping in high-risk waters such as the Middle East and Indian Ocean.
