Updated information published today by Lloyd’s List, considered one of the world’s leading sources of authority in the fields of shipping and maritime intelligence, reveals that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have established a de facto “toll booth” system in the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks
According to the report, vessels seeking to pass through the critical trade route are now required to undergo a rigorous maritime inspection process, receive special authorization codes, and be escorted by Iranian forces.
According to Lloyd’s List, not a single ship has been recorded passing through the normal shipping lane according to AIS (Automatic Identification System) data since March 15. Instead, the limited traffic that remains is channeled entirely into a single corridor controlled by the Revolutionary Guards, which passes through Iranian territorial waters around Lark Island.
The new process involves several rigorous steps: Shipping companies are required to contact IRGC-linked entities and submit full documents, including the identity of the owner, a list of crew members, the destination of the voyage, and a cargo breakdown. The information is passed on to the IRGC headquarters in Hormuzgan province for “geopolitical screening.” After receiving an authorization code, an Iranian pilot ship is dispatched to escort the vessel through the controlled corridor.