The Iranian pro-regime news agency ISNA has published a message from the navy, urging all ships to coordinate their passage with Iranian authorities to "avoid mines in the water."
The statement also included a map of safe routes. The main passage should be avoided, according to the regime.
Big red circle
"In order to comply with the principles of maritime safety, all vessels intending to transit the Strait of Hormuz are advised to take alternative routes," the navy wrote in a statement that also included an alternative entry and exit into the strait.
The map shows a large circle with the words “danger zone” written in Farsi over the former main passage. This is where the Revolutionary Guards are said to have placed the mines. Ships will instead take a route further north near Larak Island.
It is unclear whether Iran actually placed the mines or whether the instructions are being used as a blackmail tactic ahead of possible negotiations with the US and Israel.
Threat of new attacks
Iran has, as part of the ceasefire with the US, agreed to reopen the vital shipping route for trade. It is unclear how much oil has actually been able to pass through since the ceasefire began.
US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that the US military will have a large presence around Iran until a "real deal" is in place.
"It was agreed long ago that despite all the false rhetoric, there will be no nuclear weapons and the Strait of Hormuz will remain open," he wrote further.
