Iran Threatens Ships Over Non-Approved Hormuz Routes

Iran Signals Tougher Stance on Hormuz Transits

According to a report by Maritime Executive, Iran’s senior military leadership appears to be prioritizing control over the Strait of Hormuz above unlocking its frozen overseas bank accounts, even as it continues to threaten force against merchant vessels that do not follow its approved passage rules.

On Thursday, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters — described as Iran’s equivalent of the Pentagon — issued a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB warning that any vessel deviating from Iran’s designated navigation protocols in the strait would face an “immediate and forceful response” from Iranian armed forces.

Three Routes, One Contested Waterway

The report outlines three general passage options currently available through Hormuz: a northern route under Iranian control near Qeshm island, the long-standing Traffic Separation Scheme (believed to be mined), and a southern route along Oman’s coast that is approved by the IMO and protected by U.S. naval forces.

All three are technically open at no cost during a 60-day negotiation window between Washington and Tehran, with Iran having agreed in principle to allow unobstructed passage — contingent on a broader deal being finalized. However, Tehran’s military establishment reportedly wants any future “unobstructed” access arranged strictly through Iranian-controlled waters and procedures, setting the stage for a permanent Iranian oversight system once the current memorandum period ends.

Financial Incentives on the Table

U.S. negotiators have reportedly offered to release a portion of Iran’s frozen overseas funds — described by sources close to the talks as roughly $6 billion, about three times the size of the 2016 cash payment authorized under President Obama — in exchange for Iran relinquishing control over the strait and abandoning its ambition to impose transit “service fees” on passing vessels.

So far, Iran has publicly rejected this trade-off. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated Thursday that the strait remains “under Iran’s command.” The article notes that Iran’s government could be motivated to accept the funds quickly to address a serious domestic economic downturn or to rebuild its missile and drone capabilities, yet the long-term financial upside of controlling the strait may outweigh the short-term payment. Iran reportedly hopes to eventually collect as much as $40 billion annually in transit fees, according to the Wall Street Journal as cited in the report — although the practicality of such a scheme is questioned by some observers.

A High-Stakes Standoff

The situation reflects a broader tension between diplomacy and military posturing. While the White House is reportedly still preparing for a possible military response, it has also shown a willingness to pursue financial solutions to defuse the standoff over Hormuz. For now, though, Iran’s public position remains defiant, with its military command signaling readiness to enforce its own rules on the waterway by force if necessary.

Implications for Shipowners and Operators

For commercial shipping, the uncertainty around which routes are genuinely safe — and under whose authority — adds a new layer of operational risk to an already sensitive chokepoint. Vessel operators transiting or considering transit through Hormuz will need to closely monitor developments in the U.S.-Iran talks, as route approval, insurance implications, and potential enforcement actions remain unsettled.

Given the volatility surrounding transit conditions in the strait, owners and charterers may find added value in independent condition and pre-transit surveys to document vessel status before entering contested waters, helping protect against disputes over damage or delay claims that could arise from route diversions or incidents in the region.

Reviewed by Ibrahim Halil Ceylan, Marine Surveyor at Apeks Marine.