Iran Says It Prevented 30 Ships From Crossing Strait Of Hormuz Outside Approved Route Since Aug. 22

Iran’s armed forces have stopped 30 vessels from passing through the Strait of Hormuz since Aug. 22 after they tried to use a route that was not approved by Iran, the semi-official Mehr News Agency reported on Sunday.

Ships using the strait during this period were allowed to use only a route designated by Iran. They also had to inform Iranian authorities in advance about their passage and pay the required transit fees.

The agency said Iranian forces stopped the 30 vessels after they tried to cross the waterway outside the approved route. It did not give details about the ships, including their flags, owners or cargo.

Mehr also reported a sharp drop in ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

It said more than 1,500 oil tankers and 1,700 commercial vessels had used the designated route before the war began in January 2026.

Iran Says Ships Must Use Approved Route

According to Mehr, vessels currently allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must use the route designated by Iran, coordinate their passage and pay the required fees.

The agency said vessels that were allowed to pass during this period followed the approved route.

Mehr did not say how Iranian forces stopped the 30 vessels or whether they were carrying oil or other cargo.

Iran Rejects Claims on Mine Clearing

Mehr also rejected reports that mines had been cleared from the Strait of Hormuz.

The agency said there was no documented evidence to support claims that mine-clearing operations had been completed. It also said the United States had not provided documents to support such claims.

Mehr also rejected claims about the amount of oil being exported, saying they were not supported by documented evidence.

The agency said it viewed the claims as part of what it called an American media campaign aimed at affecting global markets, especially energy markets.

The report did not provide independent evidence for its claims about mine clearing or oil exports.

References: saba, royanews