How ships are risking ‘safe’ passage through the Strait of Hormuz
Summary
Ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are facing new dangers after Iran restricted navigation to routes along its coast and threatened ships using other paths. Recently, two ships using an alternative route near Oman were attacked, raising concerns about safety in this key global shipping lane.Key Facts
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said only certain sea routes near Iran’s coast are allowed for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran warned ships using other routes that safe passage would not be guaranteed.
- Two ships that took an alternative route along Oman’s coast were attacked in late June 2026.
- The alternative route was recommended by a U.S.-supported naval information center as being free of mines, unlike the usual central route.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage vital for oil shipments, technically in Iran and Oman’s waters.
- Historically, a “traffic separation scheme” has guided ships through the central part of the strait to reduce collision risks.
- Iran now restricts ships to routes along its coast, closing the central maritime corridor.
- After these attacks, U.S. airstrikes and Iranian retaliatory strikes occurred, but both sides agreed to stop attacks for now; shipping remains disrupted.
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