Some ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz via Iran's "control system"

People’s Financial News, March 26 - According to a report from the British shipping media Lloyd’s List on the 25th, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is implementing a “control system” in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring passing vessels to submit complete documentation, obtain transit codes, and accept Iranian escort through pre-designated shipping lanes. Since March 13, 26 vessels have passed through the strait under this system. The report cites sources stating that vessel operators are required to contact designated intermediary agencies associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps before transit, submitting complete documentation including the International Maritime Organization number, ownership chain, cargo manifest, destination, and full crew list. The intermediary agency will then forward the documents to the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy in Hormozgan Province for sanction screening, cargo priority review, and “geopolitical review,” currently prioritizing oil tankers. If they pass the review, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will issue transit codes and provide route instructions. Vessels approaching the strait must verify the code via radio and will be escorted into Iranian territorial waters by pilot boats. The report states that although the mainstream shipping industry has shown interest in Iran’s controlled “control system,” most shipping companies with detained vessels, concerned about triggering U.S. secondary sanctions, have indicated they will not engage in any form of contact with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Recently, Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated in a message sent to all member states of the International Maritime Organization that vessels from non-hostile countries that have not participated in or supported aggressive acts against Iran, and strictly adhere to the published safety and security regulations, can enjoy safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz after coordinating with the relevant Iranian authorities. (Xinhua)