Iran opens new maritime route in Strait of Hormuz

The naval force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has opened a new maritime route in the Strait of Hormuz. China's state news agency Xinhua reported the information, citing a report from Iran's state television IRIB.

IRIB reported that the IRGC navy has opened this new maritime route called 'Larak Corridor' inside the Strait of Hormuz. It extends from the south of Hormuz Island to the south of Larak Island.

The report further stated that after the strait is reopened, this route can only be used with the permission of the IRGC navy. As the entire maritime route is located within Iran's territorial waters, it is impossible for ships to transit through it without IRGC permission.

It is to be noted that Tehran has tightened control over this strategically important waterway since the joint Israeli-US strikes on Iranian territory on February 28. After peace talks collapsed in Islamabad recently, the US imposed a blockade on ships heading towards Iran.

Earlier on Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain fully open for commercial vessel traffic during the two-week ceasefire that began on April 8. However, on Saturday, Iran's main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, said that strict control had been reimposed in the strait due to the continued US naval blockade.