Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a new threat on Thursday to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage, as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Gulf Arab leaders in Bahrain to address regional security concerns.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy stated that the only acceptable route through the strait, a vital pathway for oil and natural gas, was through Iranian waters and in coordination with its navy. The statement warned vessels against using alternative routes, which appeared to reference Omani territorial waters. This warning coincided with a significant surge in shipping traffic through the strategic waterway after months of disruption.
In a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency, the IRGC Navy declared, "This route is unacceptable and extremely dangerous." It further cautioned, "We warn all vessels to strictly refrain from any movement outside the designated routes," adding that action would be taken against those who disregarded the instructions.
Traffic through the strait, which was blockaded by Iran and the United States during past conflicts, has notably increased this week. Shipping companies are reportedly seeking to capitalize on a temporary two-month window to transport Middle East crude oil. Maritime data company Kpler reported that approximately 70 vessels, including 29 tankers, transited the waterway on Wednesday, marking the busiest day since March 1. Prior to the war, daily transits typically exceeded 130 ships.
Bahrain served as the final destination for Mr. Rubio's three-country tour, which also included visits to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. In Manama, the capital of Bahrain, Mr. Rubio met with representatives from the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council. His objective was to alleviate the concerns of regional allies regarding a proposed framework peace agreement with Iran, which has left some critical security issues unresolved.
