Iran Establishes Alternative Shipping Route in Strait of Hormuz

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday (9/4) announced that it has established an alternative maritime route in the Strait of Hormuz, citing risks from sea mines amid tensions with the United States.

The IRGC Navy warned of a “war situation” in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, as well as the possible presence of sea mines along the main route, according to a report by Mehr News Agency that included a map of the route.

All ships passing through the strategic waterway must follow the alternative route “until further notice” and coordinate with the IRGC Navy to ensure maritime safety and avoid potential sea mines.

“Given the war conditions in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz and the potential for sea mines on the main route, all ships must comply with the alternative navigation route,” the IRGC Navy stated.

For inbound traffic, ships are directed to sail north from the Gulf of Oman, pass by Larak Island, and continue their journey into the Gulf.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable amid Iran’s total closure and conditional reopening following the announcement of a temporary ceasefire with the United States.

Sources in the Pakistani government stated that US and Iranian delegations will hold “direct” talks in Islamabad to achieve a “permanent ceasefire” to end the war that has been ongoing since 28 February.

The negotiations, scheduled to begin on Saturday, are likely to last more than one day, the sources said.

Source: Anadolu