Iran Announces Alternative Routes in Hormuz Strait Amid Mine Risk

Iran has designated alternative shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the risk of sea mines in the main channel of the strategic waterway. The announcement, made by the Revolutionary Guards on Thursday, comes as Tehran has agreed to a two-week ceasefire that allows limited reopening of the strait, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies typically pass.

“All ships intending to transit the Strait of Hormuz are hereby notified that in order to comply with the principles of maritime safety and to be protected from possible collisions with sea mines…they should take alternative routes for traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” the Guards said in a statement carried by Iranian media. The statement also provided specific instructions for an alternative entry and exit route through the waterway.

The temporary reopening follows an agreement between the United States and Iran just hours before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, who had warned of military action if Iran did not comply with demands to reopen the strait. Since early March, Tehran had effectively blocked the route, causing global energy prices to spike.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for international maritime trade, particularly for oil shipments from Gulf producers. Its closure or restriction has immediate implications for global energy markets and geopolitical stability. The two-week ceasefire represents a short-term de-escalation, but the long-term status of the waterway remains uncertain amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Western powers.

Iranian authorities have not specified the duration of the alternative routing measures or the conditions under which normal traffic may resume. Shipping companies and energy traders are closely monitoring developments, as any prolonged disruption could further impact oil prices and supply chains.