As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, Iran is seen taking a strategic approach by controlling the flow of global energy trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
While most of the route is blocked, Tehran has quietly created a de facto secure shipping corridor north of Larak Island, in an effort to leverage its position on one of the world’s most important oil arteries.
Since the conflict began on February 28, traffic through the strait has reportedly dropped by up to 90%, as Iran began targeting ships attempting to use the main route.
The disruption has triggered a global energy supply shock that has been rare in decades, directly impacting oil prices and market sentiment.
In the meantime, select ships are now being diverted through Iranian territorial waters near Larak Island, located not far from the port city of Bandar Abbas.
In this area, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and port authorities conduct strict inspections of each ship before allowing it to proceed. Maritime research firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence has described the situation as Iran’s implementation of a de facto “toll booth” regime in the Strait of Hormuz.
Latest data shows that almost all transits over the past three weeks have taken a detour through a narrow channel north of Larak Island, off the Iranian coast. Shipping intelligence firm Windward describes the situation as a permission-based controlled corridor with selective access.
Of the 57 transits recorded since March 13, all have passed through the route, while the normal route is almost completely unused. At the same time, several ships were reportedly forced to queue for clearance, and some were even ordered to turn back after failing inspections.
In a related development, Iran’s parliament has passed a bill to formalize toll collection on ships passing through the strait. The move is expected to strengthen Tehran’s financial control over the strategic route, with fees levied on shipping, energy transit and food supplies.
At least two ships have reportedly already paid the fees to Iranian authorities, with transactions made in Chinese yuan.
The transit approval process involves a rigorous procedure, where ship operators must contact an intermediary linked to the IRGC and provide detailed information including the International Maritime Organization number, crew details and final destination.
Once screened, approved ships will receive a clearance code and routing instructions. Upon arrival in Iranian waters, the ship must confirm the code via radio communication before being escorted by an Iranian boat along the route near Larak Island. Ships that fail to comply will be denied access.
While the system appears to be well-organized, identifying the true ownership of the ship remains challenging due to the complex registration structure involving multiple countries, registered owners and crew nationalities.
However, data shows that the majority of ships passing through this corridor are linked to Iran, Greece and China, with a small number from Pakistan and India.
Several countries including India, Pakistan, Iraq, Malaysia and China have reportedly held direct talks with Tehran to coordinate trade routes through an inspection system controlled by the IRGC.
This development reflects how Iran is now not only controlling the strategic route from a security perspective, but is also beginning to leverage it as a source of economic influence in an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape.
