Iran issues Hormuz shipping routes as mine threat and ceasefire uncertainty persist

Iran has issued fresh navigational maps to guide commercial vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, seeking to reduce the risk posed by sea mines even as confusion lingers over whether the waterway is fully open.

The advisories outline designated shipping corridors in the narrow passage that carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply, underscoring the urgency of maintaining safe transit through one of the globe’s most critical energy chokepoints.

Despite the move, the operational status of the strait remains unclear. Reports late Tuesday suggested Tehran had shut the route following Israeli strikes in Lebanon—actions Iran views as a breach of its ceasefire understanding with the United States.

Under the truce framework announced earlier this week, Washington and Israel are expected to halt military operations against Iran, while Tehran, in turn, permits maritime traffic through the strait. The two-week ceasefire is intended as a window for broader negotiations toward a lasting regional settlement.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has directed vessels to strictly adhere to revised traffic patterns to minimize risks. According to statements carried by local media and reported by AFP, ships must follow specified entry and exit corridors designed to avoid potential mine zones. The IRGC Navy has also urged close coordination with its forces during transit.

The new routing plan requires vessels entering from the Sea of Oman to pass north of Larak Island before proceeding into the Gulf, while outbound ships are instructed to move south of the island en route to open waters—measures aimed at reducing exposure to hazardous areas.

The ceasefire deal, mediated by Pakistan, hinges on Iran halting its blockade of oil and gas shipments through the strait, according to US President Donald Trump. An Iranian official told Reuters that a partial reopening under Tehran’s supervision could occur by April 10.

Adding to the uncertainty, Iran has floated the possibility of levying transit fees on vessels using the 34-km-wide channel as part of any long-term arrangement. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with some reports suggesting Oman opposes such charges as a violation of existing agreements, while others indicate a fee mechanism may already be under consideration.

Trump, in remarks to ABC News, said Washington is exploring a joint framework that could include imposing transit charges—highlighting how the future of the strait remains as contested as it is crucial.