US-Israel-Iran War Updates: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has announced a new navigation protocol for the Strait of Hormuz effective as of today, citing a “wartime situation” and the presence of anti-ship mines. Ships attempting to cross without express authorization would be “targeted and destroyed,” according to the IRGC, which has established a de facto controlled transit system that requires rigorous coordination for all passing vessels.
The IRGC emphasized that the strait will “never return to its previous status,” signaling a permanent shift in control over the critical waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil normally passes.
US-Israel-Iran War: What Are the New Designated Routes?
To avoid minefields and ensure “safe passage” under the new security order, the IRGC has designated specific corridors near Larak Island. For entry inbound, ships must travel from the Sea of Oman toward the north of Larak Island before proceeding into the Persian Gulf. For outbound exit, ships exiting the Gulf must pass south of Larak Island to enter the Sea of Oman.
IRGC Navy announces ‘ALTERNATIVE ROUTES’ through Strait of Hormuz
‘Due to wartime situation… and possibility of various types of anti-ship mines’
Any ship passing through ‘MUST coordinate with IRGC Navy’ https://t.co/CynsKb4CBJ pic.twitter.com/5cIeN8uVou
— RT (@RT_com) April 8, 2026
The new routes effectively formalize Iran’s control over the strait, which has been largely closed to US and allied shipping since the war began on February 28.
US-Israel-Iran War: What Are the Coordination Requirements?
Vessels must coordinate all movements with the IRGC Navy and the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization. Radio alerts from the IRGC Navy warn that ships seeking to cross without explicit permission will be “targeted and destroyed.”
While a temporary ceasefire is being discussed between the US and Iran, Iran currently grants safe passage primarily to “non-hostile” or allied nations, including China, India, Russia, Pakistan and Iraq. Vessels linked to the United States, Israel, and their allies remain strictly barred from transit.
US-Israel-Iran War: What Is the Operational Impact?
“Huge numbers” of vessels remain stranded at the entrance of the waterway as they await clearance or finalize coordination, according to reports. Shipping delays have mounted as the IRGC enforces its new protocol.
Iranian lawmakers have proposed formalizing this new order by implementing transit fees or tolls for any vessel using the managed corridors, which would institutionalize Iran’s ability to generate revenue from the strategic waterway.
US-Israel-Iran War: How Does This Affect the Ceasefire?
The statement coincides with President Trump’s Tuesday announcement of a precarious two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. But rather than going back to pre-war standards, Iran’s new navigation agreement implies Tehran is strengthening its hold over the strait.
Trump had demanded the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING” of the strait as a condition for the ceasefire. Yet the IRGC’s announcement indicates that any opening will be controlled, permission-based, and subject to Iranian oversight—a significant departure from the free navigation that existed before the war.
US-Israel-Iran War: What Is the US Position?
The White House has not yet responded to the IRGC’s announcement. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the president’s expectation and demand is that the strait is “reopened immediately, quickly, and safely,” and that it has been relayed to him privately that this is taking place.
However, the IRGC’s new protocol directly contradicts the notion of free and immediate reopening. The US has previously said it would consider military action to keep the strait open, but with a ceasefire in place, the administration’s options may be limited.
US-Israel-Iran War: What Is the Status of Peace Talks?
US and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Saturday for negotiations aimed at reaching a long-term agreement. Vice President JD Vance will lead the US negotiating team, joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Iran has demanded recognition of its control over the strait as part of any final deal. Tehran’s negotiating position may be strengthened by the IRGC’s pronouncement, which seems to be an assertion of that control before the negotiations.
FAQs: IRGC’s New Hormuz Protocol
Q: What are the new designated routes?
A: Inbound ships must travel north of Larak Island; outbound ships must travel south of Larak Island.
Q: What happens to ships without permission?
A: The IRGC has warned they will be “targeted and destroyed.”
Q: Which countries’ ships are allowed passage?
A: China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and Iraq are granted safe passage. US, Israel and allied ships remain barred.
Q: Is the strait open under the ceasefire?
A: The IRGC says the strait will “never return to its previous status,” with controlled, permission-based transit only.
Q: What are Iranian lawmakers proposing?
A: Transit fees or tolls for vessels using the managed corridors.
Q: When are US-Iran talks scheduled?
A: Saturday, April 11, in Islamabad.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
