Despite Iranian demands to use only the route near Iran's coast, vessels with US escort are still using the alternative shipping lane off Oman's shores, where Iran has previously attacked ships, according to reports.
Despite the IRGC's explicit threat earlier today that any vessel deviating from the Iranian-designated route in the Strait of Hormuz would face 'immediate and decisive' strikes, commercial ships and tankers with US Navy escort continue to use the shipping lane off Oman's coast. This route, which Iran has previously attacked, lies close to Omani waters and is part of Muscat's effort to preserve free passage amid Tehran's attempt to assert exclusive control over the strait.
Earlier today, the IRGC's Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters warned that all vessels must pass through the Iranian-patrolled corridor near Iran's coast and coordinate with Tehran. Iran has also warned Oman that it cannot guarantee security for vessels using the alternative lane. Over the past week, MarineTraffic data showed a sharp drop in traffic on the Omani route following Iranian threats, but today's reports indicate that escorted vessels are still transiting the lane.
The situation remains fluid, with the U.S. maintaining a naval presence to protect commercial shipping. No new attacks have been reported in the last hours, but the IRGC's threat posture remains high.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake