Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday warned against any crossings of the Strait of Hormuz without authorization, saying vessels not complying “will be dealt with.”
The future of the strait, a vital route for energy shipments that was locked down by Iran during the war, is a key sticking point in negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Tehran said it plans to impose what it calls maritime service fees, as opposed to tolls, while the United States argues it is an international waterway and therefore should not be charged.
“The only authorized route for passage through the Strait of Hormuz is the route announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the IRGC said.
Any crossing without authorization is “unacceptable and extremely dangerous,” they warned in a statement.
They also denounced what they said was a new route through the waterway announced by “certain authorities,” without elaborating.
The statement came a day after Oman announced temporary shipping lanes through the strait in coordination with the International Maritime Organization.
A memorandum of understanding signed last week by Tehran and Washington to end their war stipulates that commercial ships may transit the strait free of charge for the next 60 days.
With Iran and the US in negotiations, it is unclear what arrangements will be in place after that period.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting neighboring Gulf countries this week, said Washington would not accept any tolls or fees. (AFP)
