Iran announces closure of specific transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz

On October 7, 2026, an advisor to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mohammadreza Naqdi, announced that Iran plans to close specific maritime transit routes within the Strait of Hormuz. Naqdi designated these paths as illegal, claiming they were created by destroying rock formations and are currently utilized by small vessels for oil smuggling. According to the statements, these routes are distinct from the primary shipping channels, though the announcement reflects broader, ongoing efforts by Tehran to restrict maritime navigation and monitor vessels in the region.

Naqdi asserted that the Iranian armed forces maintain full control over the strait and will continue to enforce these restrictions until Tehran's undisclosed demands are satisfied. This development complicates current assessments of regional oil exports. While Kpler data indicates that seven-day average crude exports reached 18.3 million barrels per day as of September 30, with volumes exceeding pre-war levels for 14 days in September, the Iranian leadership challenges the narrative that trade has normalized. The situation remains fluid as Tehran continues to issue warnings to vessels that follow navigation paths not recognized by the Iranian military.