Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps issues warning on proposed Hormuz shipping route

US-Iran Negotiations Complicate Over Shipping Routes and Transit Fees

A recent warning from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has raised concerns over the potential complications in ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran regarding the future of the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC has stated that commercial vessels should only use routes through the strait approved by Tehran, sparking a point of friction in fragile talks.

Oman announced a new shipping transit route through the strait on Wednesday, claiming coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This development comes as maritime traffic slowly resumes after weeks of disruption. The dispute remains an unresolved issue following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran last week, which largely halted hostilities in the four-month US-Israel war on Iran.

The MoU includes the reopening of the strait, but questions remain over whether Iran will impose transit or service fees on ships using the strait during the 60-day negotiating period. Disagreements over shipping routes and transit fees could potentially derail efforts to reach a permanent agreement altogether.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically significant waterway, with around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies normally being shipped through it. The strait connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, with Iran bordering it to the north and Oman and the UAE to the south.

The IRGC has expressed concerns over a new shipping corridor announced by Oman and the IMO without prior notification to Tehran. “Certain authorities have announced a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz without prior notification to or coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the force stated. “The proposed route is unacceptable and poses serious safety risks.”

Source: Al Jazeera