WANA (Apr 18) – An IRGC commander, in a recent interview, detailed the operational specifics of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

 

Pointing out that exchange of fire between Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces at sea had rendered civilian shipping routes unsafe, he announced that the IRGC Navy immediately operationalized an alternative corridor—the “North Larak” corridor—for use during the conflict.

 

New Navigation Routes via Larak Island

According to the commander, during the 40-day war, the north of Larak Island was designated as both the entry and exit route due to low vessel traffic. However, following the ceasefire, and due to high traffic volumes now reaching 20 to 30 vessels daily, new adjustments have been implemented; currently, the north of Larak Island serves as the entry route, while the south of the island is designated for exit.

 

He further warned that areas marked on the map as points Alpha, Bravo, Delta, and Charlie are “danger zones.” These represent the previous corridor routes, which are now unsafe, and navigation within them will certainly be accompanied by risks for ships.

 

Enforcement and Warning to Unauthorized Vessels

Emphasizing that Iran is “not joking with anyone” in the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered a “combat zone,” the military official stated that all movements are under the supervision of the Command and Control Center.

 

Accordingly, if a vessel attempts to pass without obtaining the necessary permits, it will first receive a radio warning and be directed toward a designated anchorage. He explicitly warned that if anyone chooses to ignore these warnings, they will definitely be hit, and the unpleasant consequences will rest with the ship owner and the flag state.

 

Intelligence Dominance and Rejection of Blockade Claims

The commander further highlighted the IRGC’s “online and fully intelligent” dominance over the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, adding that all movements of American and Israeli forces, from the north of the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, are being monitored and behaviorally analyzed moment by moment.

 

Responding to claims by the U.S. military regarding a naval blockade against Iran, he characterized such statements as contrary to the realities on the ground. He noted that despite these claims, vessels that have obtained the necessary permits are operating routinely and safely on a daily basis.

 

He concluded by asserting that any action against the Islamic Republic of Iran vessels will meet a crushing response, warning U.S. forces that “trying the tried is a mistake.”