Iran Says 26 Commercial Vessels Transited Strait Of Hormuz In Past 24 Hours Under IRGC Coordination

Iran has reported that 26 commercial vessels successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours under the direct coordination of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This heightened oversight follows the escalation of regional tensions involving the United States and Israel since February 28. As one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, the Strait remains a focal point for global shipping, with authorities monitoring tanker movements near Bandar Abbas to ensure adherence to new transit protocols.

The increased IRGC presence necessitates strict compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) SOLAS Chapter XI-2, which governs special measures to enhance maritime security. Furthermore, vessels must ensure their Ship Security Plan (SSP) remains updated in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Compliance departments must verify that all Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders are operational and that bridge teams are prepared for potential queries from Iranian naval assets to avoid unnecessary detentions or regulatory scrutiny during transit.

Masters and navigating officers are primarily affected by these operational shifts and must exercise heightened situational awareness. These officers should conduct thorough pre-transit briefings, verify current security levels, and ensure clear communication protocols are established with the bridge team. Navigating officers must maintain a vigilant watch for irregular vessel approaches and document all interactions with IRGC units, ensuring that bridge logs are meticulously maintained to support potential insurance claims or post-voyage compliance audits.