Iran Implements Shipping Checkpoints in Strait of Hormuz, Restricting Maritime Transit

The Iranian authorities have reportedly established a comprehensive checkpoint system in the Strait of Hormuz, significantly increasing their control over international shipping through this vital maritime passage. According to industry analyses, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) now requires commercial vessels to undergo a series of authorization steps before transit is permitted.

Recent reports indicate that since mid-March, maritime traffic through the traditional routes of the Strait has been severely disrupted. Vessels are now required to submit detailed documentation--including identification numbers, ownership details, cargo manifests (with a particular focus on oil shipments), intended destinations, and complete crew lists--well before departure. These documents must be provided to authorized intermediaries with established ties to the IRGC.

Once all documentation is submitted, Iranian authorities carry out thorough checks. If approved, the vessel receives a unique clearance code. Verification of this code is conducted via radio communication as the ship approaches Iranian waters. Upon confirmation, an IRGC escort vessel guides the commercial ship through a designated, heavily monitored corridor near the island of Larak, situated off Iran's southern coast.

Industry sources note that at least two vessels have been required to pay fees--reportedly in Chinese yuan--as part of the transit process, though not all ships appear to have been subject to this charge. The involvement of the IRGC in every step of the process has resulted in a tightly regulated passage, with many vessels forced to remain in the Persian Gulf awaiting clearance. Data suggests that over two dozen ships have successfully navigated the new corridor since its implementation, while hundreds of tankers and cargo vessels remain stalled due to the stringent controls and administrative backlog.

The Gulf Cooperation Council has acknowledged that Iran is now levying passage fees following the suspension of regular transit for commercial shipping. Iranian representatives at the United Nations maintain that all non-hostile ships are allowed passage, provided they fully comply with Iranian safety regulations and coordinate with the appropriate authorities.

Some governments have managed to negotiate passage for their vessels. Malaysia, for example, secured permission following diplomatic discussions with Iranian officials and other regional leaders. Malaysian authorities have confirmed their ships are now permitted passage through the strait following these negotiations.

The current situation has caused significant disruption to global energy and trade flows, as the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for international oil and goods shipments. In addition to administrative delays, concerns over security threats--including potential mines and drone attacks--have led to the suspension of war risk insurance by many providers, further complicating shipping operations. As a result, many Western shipping companies have severely restricted or halted transit through the area, leaving large numbers of tankers and cargo vessels immobilized in the region.

The ongoing restrictions and heightened Iranian oversight have highlighted the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz and underscored the potential for wider economic and geopolitical repercussions as the situation continues to evolve.