Iran prevents six vessels from using Strait of Hormuz

Iranian authorities said they prevented six vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz through what they described as an "unofficial and unsafe" shipping route.

The vessels were sailing in the southern part of the strategic waterway with their navigation systems switched off. Iranian authorities said one vessel sustained damage during the incident, while the remaining five were forced to turn back, Tasnim reports.

Iranian officials said that shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz must use designated navigation corridors and that routes outside those channels are considered unsafe.

By Sabina Mammadli