(Sputnik), April 17 -- Iran has begun allowing civilian vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz under tightly controlled conditions, requiring ships to follow designated routes and coordinate directly with Iranian military authorities, even as the passage of warships remains effectively prohibited.

The move, announced amid a fragile ceasefire tied to broader regional tensions, reflects a calibrated reopening of one of the world's most strategically vital maritime chokepoints. Iranian officials have made clear that while commercial traffic is permitted, it is subject to strict oversight by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which continues to assert operational control over the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage ...