IRGC warns ships off new Hormuz route as Rubio meets Gulf leaders
Iran rejected a new Strait of Hormuz lane while the US secretary of state sought to reassure Gulf allies over talks with Tehran.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned ships not to use a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, adding pressure to a waterway central to Gulf trade. The warning came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Bahrain for talks with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders about Washington’s diplomacy with Tehran, Al Jazeera reported.
The IRGC navy described the route as unauthorized and said vessels should use shipping corridors designated by Iran or face possible enforcement action, according to Al Jazeera. Oman had earlier issued transit guidance for the strait in coordination with the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization.
South Korea said five more South Korean-operated ships had passed safely through the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported. Seoul said 13 South Korean vessels remained in the strategic passage.
US seeks to calm Gulf concerns
Rubio traveled to Bahrain after stops in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait on Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera. He was due to meet GCC leaders in Manama on Thursday.
Rubio said the United States would make sure any agreement with Iran accounts for the security and economic concerns of Washington’s regional partners, Al Jazeera reported. He also said the US would not undercut their interests during negotiations.
The talks come as disagreement continues over Iran’s nuclear program. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said inspectors would return to Iranian nuclear sites, while Tehran said inspections would resume only after a final agreement with the United States is reached, according to Al Jazeera.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also accused NATO of complicity in what it called an unlawful war of aggression, Al Jazeera reported. The ministry made the charge after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said European allies backed US and Israeli strikes. Tehran said NATO members involved, including Italy and Romania, should be held accountable.
Lebanon ceasefire under strain
In Lebanon, two people were killed in an Israeli strike near Nabatieh on Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera. Residents of the southern village of Ain al-Arab were also told to leave or risk having their homes demolished.
The incidents occurred while Lebanese and Israeli officials held talks in Washington, DC, Al Jazeera reported. The discussions include proposed pilot zones meant to support an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon even if the United States called for a withdrawal, according to Al Jazeera.
ICC judges challenge US sanctions
Three International Criminal Court judges filed a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump’s administration over sanctions imposed on them, Al Jazeera reported. The judges said the sanctions were unlawful and punished them for judicial decisions, including rulings connected to Israel and alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan.
The judges said the measures had sharply limited their ability to work, travel and use financial services, according to Al Jazeera.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.