Iran continues to impose tight restrictions on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the key passage from the Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Commercial vessels and oil tankers must coordinate with Revolutionary Guard forces before being allowed to cross.

The eastern corridor, usually reserved for tankers heading toward the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden, remains nearly empty due to Iranian measures. Several ships are anchored near Hormuz and Larak islands awaiting permits, subject to document checks and crew inspections.

Iran has designated two main routes: entry via Larak Island and exit via Hormuz Island, framing these as organizational and security measures. Officials present them as service fees for security and environmental protection rather than direct transit charges.

Despite relative calm, the strait remains central to political and military tensions. Iran’s leadership signaled that conditions will not return to pre-war norms, using Hormuz as leverage in negotiations with the U.S. amid stalled talks.

The restrictions affect both foreign and Iranian vessels, with Tehran wary of U.S. interception in the Arabian Sea due to sanctions. Analysts describe the strait as tightly managed rather than openly confrontational, yet still a strategic card in Iran’s response to Western pressure.