Oil Tankers Use New Route Through Strait of Hormuz Despite Iranian Threats
DUBAI — Several oil tankers successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday using a newly established maritime route along Oman's coastline, despite warnings from Iran's Revolutionary Guard against vessels using the alternative passage.
The new route was coordinated by Oman and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to help commercial shipping bypass the central navigation corridor, where Iran says it laid naval mines following the recent conflict with the United States and Israel. The alternative passage is intended to restore confidence in one of the world's most important energy chokepoints.
The tanker Stoic Warrior was among the first vessels to complete the transit, while shipping giant Maersk also confirmed that two of its vessels exited the strait using the new route. Maritime data shows shipping activity is steadily recovering, although traffic remains below pre-war levels.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard condemned the new shipping lane as "unacceptable" and warned that vessels traveling outside routes approved by Tehran could face consequences. Despite the rhetoric, no attacks or major incidents have been reported along the new corridor.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a visit to Gulf allies, reaffirmed Washington's commitment to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and said there would be no tolls or restrictions on commercial shipping under the current U.S.-Iran understanding.
The increase in tanker traffic has helped calm global energy markets. Oil prices briefly fell below pre-war levels as traders gained confidence that crude exports from the Gulf can continue despite ongoing diplomatic tensions.