Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared a newly announced shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz "unacceptable" and "dangerous," warning that it will take action against any vessels that fail to comply with its requirements.
The statement, issued by IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami, signals a hardening of Tehran's stance on maritime security in one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints.
The warning comes at a time when markets are already pricing in elevated shipping risks.
With Iran showing no immediate signs of reopening the Strait to normal commercial traffic, fuel costs have begun to climb, reflecting the growing friction in global energy logistics.
The IRGC's refusal to coordinate with the new route proposal suggests that diplomatic de-escalation remains elusive, leaving traders to navigate an environment of heightened operational uncertainty.
This development complicates ongoing peace efforts, including a U.S. proposal mediated through Pakistan that Iran is currently evaluating.