Singapore Expresses Concern After Vessel Hit Near Hormuz, While Iran’s IRGC Rejects New Shipping Route Without Its Approval

26/06/2026

Singapore Expresses Concern After Vessel Hit Near Hormuz, While Iran’s IRGC Rejects New Shipping Route Without Its Approval

SINGAPORE/DUBAI, Jun 26: Singapore has expressed “deep concern” after a Singapore-registered container ship was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned foreign vessels against using what it described as unauthorized routes through the strategic waterway.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said the Ever Lovely suffered minor damage to its bridge on June 25 while sailing about 3.6 nautical miles off Oman’s Khawr Naiwah. All 21 crew members were reported safe, and the vessel continued its journey after completing its passage through the strait.

The authority condemned the incident as “unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law” and said it remained in contact with the ship’s management company. The vessel’s owner, Evergreen Marine, said the ship’s navigation systems and main engine were functioning normally, with no concerns over seaworthiness.

Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported that three foreign oil tankers changed course after receiving warnings from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy over their planned transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the report, the IRGC issued a warning around 4 a.m. on Thursday, saying a newly announced transit route that had not been coordinated with Iran was “illegal, unacceptable and highly dangerous.”

The report said the three tankers, which were planning to use the southern corridor of the strait, were stopped and redirected toward the Persian Gulf. It added that ships were required to coordinate passage through Hormuz with the IRGC Navy via marine radio Channel 16.

Iran warned that vessels using routes it does not recognize could face “legal and severe” action, while also cautioning that ships operating outside designated routes could face insurance issues, with responsibility placed on vessel owners, operators and captains.

The developments add to growing tensions over navigation rights and security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass.