Rising tensions in West Asia have disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as Iran appears to be enforcing a controlled transit system for commercial vessels. A recent report from Lloyd’s List says Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has effectively established a checkpoint-like regime in the waterway.
Under the arrangements described, ships must submit comprehensive documentation, obtain specific clearance codes and accept IRGC escort through a single, designated corridor. Lloyd’s List Intelligence data show that, since March 13, 26 vessels have transited using this pre-authorized route; Automatic Identification System (AIS) records indicate no transits along the regular route since March 15.
India’s Shipping Ministry has dismissed claims that Tehran is levying a toll on ships as unfounded, reiterating that passage through the strait is governed by international law and principles of freedom of navigation. Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said global regulations do not permit the imposition of charges on vessels crossing the waterway.
Iranian officials have framed the measures as selective rather than blanket restrictions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is allowing passage for friendly nations, including India. The Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai posted that Tehran has permitted transit for vessels from China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan.
By Thursday, at least five tankers bound for India had reportedly passed safely through the strait; two ships named Jag Vasant and Pine Gas were expected to arrive at Indian ports by the end of the week.
On March 25, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said “non-hostile vessels” may be allowed safe passage if they refrain from participating in hostile actions against Iran and comply fully with declared safety and security rules, and Iran’s Defence Council has stated that transit will require prior coordination with Iranian authorities.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the reopening of the strait, warning that a prolonged disruption would choke shipments of oil, gas and fertilizer at a crucial time for global planting, and called for an immediate end to hostilities to limit wider consequences.
This item is based on syndicated reporting (ANI) and media intelligence summaries; outlets may update details as the situation evolves.
