Iran’s conditions for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz exposed
April 17, 2026
Iran has created a list of conditions for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz as the country's top officials confirm it has reopened.
In a move that injects fresh uncertainty into global commerce and security, Iran has established a stringent set of conditions for commercial vessels seeking passage through the vital Strait of Hormuz. The new rules, articulated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), dictate that Iran will retain operational control over the maritime chokepoint, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply transits. This development occurs against a complex backdrop of a fragile regional ceasefire and a persistent United States naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, creating a precarious split reality in one of the world's most critical waterways.
The conditions stipulated by Tehran require all transiting ships to be commercial, expressly forbidding the passage of military vessels. Furthermore, both the ships and their cargo must not be linked to what Iran terms "belligerent countries." All traffic is now mandated to use a specific transit route designated by Iran, which forces vessels through Iranian territorial waters. Critically, ships must coordinate their passage directly with Iranian forces, specifically the IRGC Navy, effectively giving the corps oversight of all movement. This temporary reopening of the strait by Iran has been linked to a ceasefire in Lebanon.
These measures are being implemented even as the United States maintains its naval blockade on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports. The American blockade was initiated on April 13 following the breakdown of negotiations aimed at ending the wider conflict that began with a US-Israeli military operation in late February. In response to that operation, Iran had severely restricted traffic, leading to what the International Energy Agency called the "largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market." President Donald Trump has stated the US blockade will remain "in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran" until a comprehensive deal is reached.
The implications for the global economy and regional stability are profound. The Strait of Hormuz is an indispensable artery for energy markets, and the recent disruptions have already caused significant price volatility and supply chain issues. The new Iranian-imposed conditions, coupled with the US blockade, create a dual layer of risk and complexity for the international shipping industry. Legal questions are also being raised, with the International Maritime Organization reviewing whether Iran’s new regulations comply with international laws governing freedom of navigation. For weeks, shipping traffic has been dramatically reduced, and despite Iran's announcement, many operators remain hesitant to transit the strait amid the uncertainty.
The path forward remains fraught with tension. The current situation is contingent upon a delicate ceasefire that is set to expire next week and the potential resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran. While Iran has presented the reopening as a step toward de-escalation, its insistence on controlling passage is viewed as a tactic to maintain leverage. The international community watches uneasily, as any miscalculation or failure in diplomacy could lead to a swift return to open conflict, further jeopardizing global energy security and international peace.
Source: express