Iran's Revolutionary Guard rejects new Strait of Hormuz routes without Tehran coordination

TEHRAN, Iran — TEHRAN — Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said any new shipping route declared for the Strait of Hormuz without coordination with Tehran is unacceptable, warning that safe passage through the chokepoint can only occur along paths approved by Iranian authorities. The Guard said coordination with all transiting vessels is mandatory and that any alternative route announced without Tehran's input poses a public safety risk. The statement said vessels that fail to comply with Iranian transit rules will face measures, and that ships found in violation will be dealt with by Tehran. The Guard did not specify what actions would be taken against noncompliant ships. The warning comes a day after Oman announced a temporary maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, developed in coordination with the International Maritime Organization, and said vessels wishing to use it should contact the IMO. The dispute between Tehran and Muscat highlights the competing control claims over one of the world's most critical oil shipping lanes.