Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) Navy has turned back six vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz through routes not approved by Iranian authorities, according to state television.
A state television correspondent reported on Monday that the vessels were intercepted overnight after failing to use designated shipping lanes.
“Last night, six vessels that attempted to transit through a route other than the designated one were stopped by the IRGC Navy with warning shots and turned back,” the broadcaster said.
State television had earlier reported that one vessel was involved in an unspecified “incident” but provided no further details.
The latest action follows a similar operation on Saturday, when the Revolutionary Guards said they intercepted four vessels attempting to pass through the southern part of the strategic waterway after firing warning shots.
Iran has effectively maintained a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict in late February, significantly disrupting one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint through which a substantial share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes, making any disruption a major concern for international energy markets and global trade.
