By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz to strictly use sea lanes designated by Iran as safe for navigation.

In a statement released Tuesday, the IRGC said any ship that avoids the approved corridors and attempts to sail through other areas of the strategic waterway would face a firm response from its naval forces.

It stressed that the only safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is the route previously announced by Iranian authorities.

The warning follows reports of recent naval tensions near the strait, where Iranian and U.S. forces allegedly exchanged fire after Washington announced an operation aimed at easing restrictions on shipping in the area.

According to the report, both sides claimed to have defended their positions during the confrontation in the Persian Gulf, and some vessels and port facilities were reportedly affected.

Analysts have warned that continued interference in the waterway could escalate tensions further, potentially risking a return to broader military confrontation that was previously paused under a ceasefire agreement.

The IRGC also rejected U.S. claims that American-flagged ships had successfully passed through the strait during recent operations.

Iran has in recent weeks allowed limited maritime traffic through designated corridors, which it says are the only secure routes for navigation.

Officials said these lanes are located in the northern section of the strait near Larak Island, while warning that other parts of the waterway may be unsafe.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes for global oil supplies.

Source: Press TV