The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has insisted on designated transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz, creating a fresh dispute even as ceasefire discussions between the United States and Iran continue.
The demand introduces a new layer of operational complexity to the waterway, which remains one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints.
This development comes amid severely disrupted shipping activity.
Data indicates that vessel traffic through the Strait fell to a near-standstill recently, with only five vessels recorded passing through the waterway on Sunday.
The sharp decline follows previous escalations, including an incident where a cargo ship was struck by a projectile and subsequent exchanges of fire between US and Iranian forces in the corridor.
The IRGC's insistence on specific routing protocols threatens to prolong uncertainty for global energy flows.