Iran Announces Planned New International Corridor Through Strait of Hormuz
Iran said it will publish maps for a new shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz, while the United Arab Emirates warned against any single state controlling the waterway.
Iran's foreign ministry indicated that Tehran will release maps outlining a proposed "new international corridor" through the Strait of Hormuz, creating a restricted zone for vessels in the Persian Gulf. The announcement follows ongoing disruptions to maritime traffic in the region, which have contributed to higher energy prices.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, responded that no single country should dominate the strait. He said the UAE would not allow its energy exports or trade to be held hostage and condemned the use of the waterway as a tool of coercion, noting that Iran's threats to target ships with mines, drones or missiles are unacceptable.
The proposed corridor comes as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported a significant decline in ship movements through the strait, with vessels favoring alternative routes due to security concerns and increased enforcement activity.