Multiple maritime intelligence reports describe ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran warns vessels away from a route that runs closer to Oman. Ship-tracking firm Windward says four vessels attempting to transit via the Oman-coast route alter course: two reverse direction, while the other two divert to a more central corridor. A separate Windward update reports that six ships shift away from the Omani corridor while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps patrols the area. The firm says that since Saturday, two of the diverted ships head toward Iran while the remaining four return to the Gulf.
Windward also reports that Iran, including the IRGC navy, issues radio warnings to ships using routes other than what it describes as its “safe route.” Iran opposes navigation through the southern route in Oman’s territorial waters, and has previously attacked at least two vessels associated with that corridor. The report notes that earlier attacks coincided with retaliatory US strikes on Iranian military assets around Hormuz.
Iran’s position is also described as linked to a US-related understanding, under which Tehran says it will manage traffic during a 60-day period. Iran’s envoy to China also says new fees will apply for transiting Hormuz, with “friendly nations” receiving special treatment.
