IRGC Threatens Military Action Against Vessels Deviating From Iran-Designated Hormuz Routes

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened military action against any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz unless it uses only routes designated by Iran. The IRGC Navy said “only the route designated by Iran is safe” and warned it may take strong action if ships deviate from the corridor previously announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The warning came as Iran began operating a new “sovereign maritime traffic regulation mechanism” in the Strait of Hormuz, with Press TV saying all vessels intending to transit must receive instructions and passage regulations via Iran’s official email channels. The measure has already begun to alter shipping traffic, with some vessels reportedly gathering near Dubai and avoiding entering the strait.

“Iran warns vessels to follow designated route in Strait of Hormuz or face ‘decisive action’ Official says transit through strait requires Iran’s permission under new framework Şahin Demir 05 May 2026•Update: 05 May 2026 İstanbul Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy warned vessels on Tuesday to use only designated routes when transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying deviations would be considered unsafe and could prompt a “decisive action”

Anadolu Ajansı

Multiple outlets carried the IRGC Navy’s language that deviations would trigger a “decisive response” from the IRGC Navy. Middle East Eye quoted the IRGC Navy saying, “The diversion of vessels to other routes is unsafe and will face a decisive response from the IRGC Navy,” while Anadolu Ajansı reported the IRGC Navy warning that deviations would be “considered unsafe and could prompt a “decisive action.” The Anadolu Ajansı report also tied the warning to IRGC deputy political chief Yadollah Javani, who said maritime transit would take place only with Iran’s authorization. In parallel, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that Iran denied attacks on the United Arab Emirates while warning it would deliver a “crushing and regret-inducing response” to any attack launched from UAE territory.

The IRGC’s route enforcement is presented in the sources as part of a broader effort to regulate transit and manage risk for shipping and insurance. Daily Beirut reported that the IRGC Navy urged ship and cargo owners and international marine insurance companies not to be swayed by American statements, and said the only safe passage is the route previously announced by the Iranian Navy. The same report added that obtaining an Iranian permit is described as a “non-negotiable condition” for crossing the Strait of Hormuz, and warned that incidents involving an unlicensed ship would lead to disruptions and “serious environmental risks.” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty also said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of threatening global trade and said Washington has proposed a UN Security Council resolution to secure the Strait of Hormuz, with Rubio saying Iran “continues to hold the world’s economy hostage” through threats to shipping, sea mines and efforts to impose tolls.

“Source: Getty Images The Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has released a statement cautioning vessels against passing through the Strait of Hormuz using any routes that have not been authorised by the force, stating that such actions will trigger a “decisive response”

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