Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has laid out strict conditions for transit through the Strait of Hormuz, saying vessels must obtain permission from its naval command, while military ships remain barred from crossing the strategic waterway.
In a statement on Friday, the IRGC Navy Command said civilian vessels will only be allowed
to pass through designated routes approved by Iranian authorities.It added that all movements through the Strait of Hormuz will require prior clearance from the IRGC Navy.
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy issues the four conditions for crossing the Strait of Hormuz:
1. Civilian vessels are permitted to transit solely through Iran’s designated route. pic.twitter.com/bPDOCl7mb1
— Press TV
🔻 (@PressTV) April 17, 2026
IRGC Sets 4-Point Transit Rules
The force also confirmed that military vessels will not be permitted to transit the strait under the current arrangement.
“This transit is in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and follows the full implementation of the ceasefire in Lebanon,” the statement added.
ALSO READ: ‘Deal To End War Mostly Complete’: Donald Trump Says Iran Halts Nuclear Programme
According to the IRGC, the four-point framework includes: restricted civilian routes, a complete ban on military passage, mandatory IRGC approval for all transits, and coordination with ceasefire arrangements currently in effect.
Strait Open, But Controls Tightened
The announcement comes after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz has been “completely open” for commercial shipping during the ceasefire period, a move welcomed by US President Donald Trump.
However, Washington has maintained a tougher stance, with Trump saying the US naval blockade on Iran will remain in place until a broader agreement is reached.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier said the waterway would remain open for commercial vessels “for the remaining period of the ceasefire,” with ships required to follow coordinated routes announced by Iran’s maritime authorities.
Iran also warned that it will take reciprocal measures if the US continues its blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media reported.
Tehran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified earlier remarks by Araghchi, saying shipping through the strategic waterway will be permitted only “along a pre-determined route by Iran”.
Baghaei added that Iran considers itself the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and will act with “leniency where necessary”, but stressed that any continued restrictions on Iranian ports would be met with a matching response.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy chokepoint, has been effectively blocked by Iran in response to the US-Israel war launched on February 28 against the Islamic Republic.
Additionally, Trump earlier this week had announced a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait, further tightening restrictions on shipping in the vital waterway.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-177621863516613488.webp)
