Tehran – Iran threatens to restrict ships using banned routes in Hormuz

TEHRAN, September 27 /ATSH-DPA/ – The Iranian authority responsible for managing the Strait of Hormuz has warned ships that they may face consequences if they use “illegal routes” in the area.

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) said today that using these routes could cause financial losses and loss of life for the ship, its owner, captain and crew.

The ship may also have its ability to transit the Strait of Hormuz in the future restricted.

The authority urged shipowners to carefully check their itineraries to avoid violations of the rules.

If a company chartering ships violates these rules, other ships belonging to that company may also face restrictions on future Hormuz transits.

Meanwhile, efforts have been underway for some time for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which currently remains practically blocked.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said earlier this week that Iran had sent the US, via Qatar, a seven-point plan for resolving the situation.

Under the Iranian proposal, the US must meet several conditions before Iran allows the strait’s reopening.

According to The Wall Street Journal, among the demands was the lifting of the US naval blockade.

US President Donald Trump rejected the Iranian proposal, telling reporters at the White House that the offer was unacceptable.

Before the war against Iran, launched by the US and Israel in late February, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was largely uninterrupted.

About a fifth of global oil demand passed through this strait.

Hormuz is also a very important route for the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and chemical fertilizers.

Since the start of the war, Iranian threats and attacks have brought maritime traffic through Hormuz close to a standstill, causing significant rises in oil and gas prices on world markets.