Iran tells ships passage through Strait of Hormuz 'not allowed', EU naval mission official says

The UK Navy says Iran's orders were not legally binding and advised vessels to transit with caution

Reuters February 28, 2026 Less than a minute read

A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran is seen behind a 3D printed oil pipeline in this illustration taken June 22, 2025. REUTERS

An official from the European Union's naval mission Aspides said on Saturday that vessels have been receiving VHF transmission from Iran's Revolutionary Guards saying "no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz".

The strait is the world's most vital oil export route, which connects the biggest Gulf oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

An aerial view Port of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates in the strait of Hormuz, December 10, 2023. Photo: Reuters

An aerial view Port of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates in the strait of Hormuz, December 10, 2023. Photo: Reuters

The official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said Iran had not formally confirmed any such order.

Tehran has for years threatened to block the narrow waterway in retaliation for any attack on the Islamic Republic.

Also Read: Death toll rises to 85 in Israeli strike on girls’ school in southern Iran

Fourteen LNG tankers have shown signs of slowing down, U-turning or stopping in or around the Strait, said Laura Page from consultancy Kpler, who added the number will likely rise, posing risks to Qatari LNG exports.

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