Iran says a foreign container ship ran aground while transiting the Strait of Hormuz after sailing through what it described as an “unauthorised” route, renewing its warning that vessels must coordinate their passage with the Islamic Republic. State television did not identify the vessel or disclose where the incident occurred.
“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has repeatedly warned ship captains, owners and officials of global shipping companies that any entry or exit via routes other than the authorised one in the Persian Gulf could lead to irreparable consequences,” the broadcaster quoted the military as saying.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations, which monitors maritime security in the region, had not reported any such incident in or around the Strait as at the time of filing this report. Iran has tightened its grip on shipping through the strategic waterway since the outbreak of war with the US and Israel in late February, requiring vessels to pay transit fees and directing them to follow a route closer to its coastline.
Although shipping traffic has increased since Washington and Tehran signed a provisional peace agreement last month, Iran has indicated it intends to retain control over vessel movements through the Strait.