Iran has announced the creation of a temporary safe maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the measure is intended to protect commercial shipping amid growing regional tensions, according to IRNA. The announcement was made by Iran’s Embassy in London, which said the corridor has been officially reported to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
According to the embassy, the corridor was established under the framework of a war termination memorandum of understanding and is designed to provide vessels with a route free from technical and military hazards. The embassy said the arrangement was formally communicated to the UN shipping agency through Notice S14/2026.
At the same time, Iran accused the United States of undermining maritime security by directing ships toward what it described as a dangerous parallel route south of the newly designated corridor. The embassy claimed the alternative route is legally questionable, unreliable, and vulnerable to accidents, raising concerns for vessels traveling through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
The embassy also accused the United States of violating the memorandum of understanding since its implementation began. It said recent US military operations, including attacks on Iranian port infrastructure and maritime monitoring towers, have increased tensions and turned the Strait of Hormuz into a high-risk area for international navigation.
In its statement, Iran urged those responsible for creating what it called the current security crisis to reconsider their approach if they genuinely seek safe passage through the strategic waterway. The embassy stressed that lasting maritime security depends on cooperation, saying that “security is a two-way path.”
Iran further argued that stability in the Strait of Hormuz can only be achieved through respect for the sovereignty of coastal states, adherence to international maritime regulations, and coordination with arrangements announced by Tehran and Muscat. It maintained that unilateral actions and political pressure cannot ensure the safety of one of the world’s most strategically important sea routes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital gateway for global energy supplies, carrying a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption to navigation through the narrow waterway is closely watched by international markets and governments, making developments in the region a matter of global concern.
Editor’s note: The statements above reflect claims made by Iranian officials and have not been independently verified. Other parties, including the United States, may present different accounts of the situation.
