Strait of hormuz: A large number of ships were stranded in the Strait of Hormuz early Thursday, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

According to Anadolu Agency, Tasnim reported that ‘huge numbers’ of vessels were stuck in the strategic waterway. This development came shortly after Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB quoted the Ports and Maritime Organization stating that vessels wishing to pass through the strait must now coordinate their movement with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy and adhere to designated routes.

The ports and maritime authority announced Wednesday evening that this measure was necessary due to the ongoing war situation in the Persian Gulf and the potential presence of anti-ship mines in the main traffic zone of the Strait of Hormuz. These new protocols were introduced following an agreement announced by the United States and Iran for a ceasefire aimed at resolving the conflict initiated by Washington and Tel Aviv against Tehran on February 28.

While Iranian and Pakistani officials indicated that the agreement also included Lebanon, Israel maintained that Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire, subsequently launching a significant wave of airstrikes across the country on Wednesday.