Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned shipowners to strictly use only Iran-designated shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, calling unauthorized transit unacceptable and dangerous. The IRGC threatened repercussions for vessels that ignore these directives and fail to coordinate with Iranian forces through approved communication channels. The warning underscores Tehran's intent to retain control over the strategic waterway and resist any unauthorized transits, as reported by local Iranian media on Thursday.

The IRGC Navy stated that navigation outside these designated corridors is highly dangerous and prohibited. Vessels are required to coordinate with Iranian forces to ensure compliance. This directive follows a Saturday proposal by the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), which recommended that ships use the southern transit route through Omani waters with transponders activated after confirming the corridor was clear of mines.

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had previously reaffirmed Tehran's authority over the Strait in accordance with international law. He stated that the passage would "never" go back to the pre-war status quo. Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Oman launched a controlled evacuation plan on Tuesday for ships stranded in the Persian Gulf. Oman will oversee vessel departures through temporary maritime corridors as normal shipping lanes remain unsafe due to confirmed mines and ongoing security risks.

The operation aims to evacuate more than 11,000 stranded seafarers. The IMO stated that safety guarantees and navigation conditions have been verified despite elevated collision risks in the restricted routes. The situation remains fluid as tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz persist, impacting global shipping routes and energy security.

Key Market Data

The following table details the current market prices for crude oil and average gas prices in the U.S., reflecting the economic context surrounding the shipping warnings.

President Donald Trump directed the DOJ to investigate oil companies for not lowering gasoline prices in line with the decline in crude oil costs. Apollo Chief Economist Torsten Slok noted that the market narrative is shifting, with lower oil prices now seen as a potential inflation risk rather than a benefit. He warned that a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could further stimulate economic activity, potentially forcing the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates sooner.

Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday, arguing that the latter's deal with Iran was unilaterally benefiting Tehran while providing little benefit for the U.S. Schiff stated the agreement provided Iran a financial boon it had not enjoyed in decades without securing anything in return. The Senator cited a temporary 60-day general license issued by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for the production and export of Iranian oil as a key concession.

The agreement includes Tehran gaining access to $300 billion in reconstruction funds and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Schiff described the deal as a capitulation that weakened national security and noted that the administration was requesting billions in additional funding for a war Americans never asked for. Trump has faced criticism over the deal's framework from within GOP ranks, reportedly including a heated argument with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA).

Separately, the Senate passed the Iran War Powers resolution by a vote of 50-48, directing the withdrawal of armed forces from the Iran war. The resolution, which previously passed the House of Representatives, received cross-voting support from four Republican lawmakers, including Senator Rand Paul (R-KY). Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) stated that Congress finally acted to demand an end to the conflict.

Key Legislative Details

Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will be administered by its government. The country also denied any new agreements with the U.S. regarding the return of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors. Following a 12-day war last summer triggered by Israeli airstrikes, Iran had rescinded access for IAEA inspectors to its nuclear sites.