Iran Designates Alternative Shipping Routes in Hormuz Amid Mine Risk
Tehran — Iran on Thursday announced alternative maritime routes for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, citing the threat of sea mines, as the waterway reopens under a temporary ceasefire agreement with the United States, according to a statement carried by local media.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said ships should avoid the main navigation zone and instead follow designated entry and exit paths to reduce the risk of collision with naval mines.
“All ships intending to transit the Strait of Hormuz are hereby notified they should take alternative routes for traffic,” the statement said, emphasizing maritime safety concerns.
The announcement follows Tehran’s agreement to temporarily reopen the strategic strait as part of a two-week truce reached with Washington. The ceasefire was agreed late Tuesday, shortly before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to comply with demands related to the reopening of the passage.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes.
Iran had effectively restricted traffic through the route since early March, contributing to a surge in global energy prices and heightening concerns over supply disruptions.
The designation of alternative routes signals continued operational risks in the waterway despite the ceasefire, underlining the fragile security environment and the potential for further disruption to global shipping and energy markets.
