Iran Formally Imposes Mandatory IRGC Navigation Corridors in Strait of Hormuz — All Ships Must Clear IRGC Routes — Day 93

Building on the May 30 IRGC Navy 'full authority' decree, Iran on May 31, 2026 (Day 93) formally published written regulations establishing mandatory navigation routes in the Strait of Hormuz that all ships must use, requiring IRGC Navy clearance and registry before transit. The formal written regulations — published by state media and confirmed by Voice of Emirates and Tribune India — designated specific geographic corridors through which vessels must pass, with any ship deviating from IRGC-designated routes subject to intercept, seizure, or destruction. The regulations directly contradicted the 60-day MoU framework's stated requirement for 'unrestricted' Hormuz passage with no tolls or permission requirements — effectively making the MoU's most economically critical clause undeliverable under existing IRGC posture. IRGC Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, deputy army commander for coordination, issued an accompanying warning: 'Any aggression against the country's territory will be met with a response even more forceful than before.' The formalization of IRGC Hormuz authority was interpreted by Western analysts as Iran establishing negotiating leverage ahead of the June 2–3 Doha round — codifying control that could be 'eased' as a deal concession — but also risked hardening positions on both sides.