On Thursday, Iran announced alternative shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the risk of sea mines in the main channel of the vital waterway. The move comes as part of a temporary reopening agreed under a two-week truce with the United States.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route for global energy, carrying about one-fifth of the world’s oil. Tehran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a statement advising vessels to use the alternative routes to ensure maritime safety and avoid potential collisions with sea mines.
The alternative entry and exit paths were shared publicly, allowing ships to navigate the strait while minimizing risk.
The announcement follows a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US, reached just hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Tehran to reopen the strait or face military action. Iran had effectively blocked the route since early March, causing global energy prices to surge.
This temporary measure aims to restore some stability to global oil shipments while addressing ongoing security concerns in the strategic waterway.
