Some vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz via Iran’s “control system.”

March 27, 2026

Xinhua

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The British "Lloyd's of Shipping" reported that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps implemented a "control system" in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring passing ships to submit complete documents including ship information, cargo details and crew lists through designated intermediaries. After the documents are screened by the Revolutionary Guards Naval Command for sanctions, cargo prioritization and geopolitical review, those who qualify will receive a pass code. Ships are required to verify the code as they approach the Strait and are escorted through the intended route by an Iranian pilot vessel. Since March 13, 26 ships have been using this system, with oil carriers being given priority. Despite the interest shown by the shipping industry, most companies have avoided direct contact with Iran's Revolutionary Guards for fear of triggering secondary U.S. sanctions. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently stated to the International Maritime Organization that ships that are not hostile and comply with regulations can enjoy the right of safe passage in the Strait after coordination with Iran. The move reflects Iran's intention to strengthen control over key waterways and highlights the political and sanctions risks to regional shipping activities.

　　Xinhua News Agency, London, March 26 (Reporter Gao Wencheng) According to a report by the British shipping media "Lloyd's List" on the 25th, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran has implemented a "control system" in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring passing ships to submit complete documents, obtain a transit code, and accept Iranian escort through pre-designated channels. Since March 13, 26 ships have passed through the strait under this system.

　　The report, citing sources, said that ship operators are required to contact designated intermediaries associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps before transit, submitting complete documents including the International Maritime Organization number, ownership chain, cargo list, destination, and full crew list. The intermediary then forwards the documents to the Hormozgan Province Command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy for sanctions screening, cargo priority review, and "geopolitical review," with oil tankers currently prioritized. If approved, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will issue a transit code and provide route instructions. Ships must verify the code via radio when approaching the strait and are escorted by pilot boats into Iranian territorial waters.

　　The report said that although the mainstream shipping industry has shown interest in the Iran-controlled "control system," most shipping companies with detained ships have expressed that they will not engage in any form of contact with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps due to concerns about triggering U.S. secondary sanctions.

　　The Iranian Foreign Ministry recently stated in a declaration forwarded to all member states of the International Maritime Organization that ships from non-hostile countries, if not involved in or supporting acts of aggression against Iran and strictly complying with the published safety and security regulations, can enjoy safe passage rights through the Strait of Hormuz after coordinating with Iranian authorities.

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Some vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz via Iran’s “control system.”