Iran’s IRGC Navy Says 35 Commercial Ships Transited Through Strait Of Hormuz With Its Permission

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy recently confirmed that 35 commercial vessels successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz under its direct authorization. This development occurs amidst heightened geopolitical friction between Iran and the United States regarding freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf. While specific vessel identities remain undisclosed, the transit of these merchant ships near key transit hubs like Bandar Abbas highlights the evolving security landscape for international shipping lanes and the ongoing challenges for global maritime logistics.

Operating through these volatile waters requires strict adherence to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, specifically Part A, Section 4, which mandates rigorous security assessments. Compliance departments must ensure that Ship Security Plans (SSP) are updated to reflect current risk levels, as outlined in SOLAS Chapter XI-2. Failure to align operational procedures with these international maritime security standards can lead to severe insurance implications and potential detention by regional authorities. Maintaining clear communication with flag states and local maritime agencies remains critical for regulatory compliance and vessel safety.

Masters and navigating officers must exercise heightened vigilance when approaching the Strait of Hormuz. These officers are responsible for conducting thorough pre-transit security briefings and ensuring that Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) remain operational, unless otherwise directed by safety protocols. It is essential for bridge teams to monitor VHF channels closely and document all interactions with regional naval forces. Maintaining precise logs of transit permissions is vital for protecting the vessel’s legal standing during port state control inspections.