Larak Island

Two ultra-large container ships owned by COSCO, China's biggest shipping company, made a sharp U-turn after apparently trying to sail past Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to MarineTraffic data. Analysts say Tehran has effectively turned Larak into a toll booth, charging steep fees to ships it grants transit permission. The IRGC issued a statement prohibiting the passage of any ship "to and from ports belonging to allies and supporters of the Zionist-American enemies, to any destination and via any corridor".

Both Chinese vessels had transited the strait on Monday without incident, passing close to Larak. That they turned back on a second attempt suggests conditions changed, or that permission is per voyage, not permanent. China has massive commercial interests in the Gulf, but no immunity from the rules Iran is imposing de facto.

From 130 ships a day before the war to six or fewer with Iranian permission. Iran is legislating to formalise tolls. Pakistanis cross with naval escort. The Chinese turn around. The Strait of Hormuz is no longer a free international passage. It is a controlled, tolled, selective, armed corridor. And every day that passes without someone reopening it by force, the new order consolidates.