The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Thursday that it has full control of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming passage is only permitted with its authorization and on designated routes. The IRGC warned that vessels trying to cross without approval, with AIS turned off, or outside approved lanes will be responsible for any consequences. Several ships reportedly turned back today, and oil prices began rising.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared on Thursday evening that it maintains full operational control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any vessel attempting to transit without prior Iranian authorization — or outside designated shipping lanes — will face consequences. The statement, carried by Iranian media, represents a hardening of Tehran's position in the ongoing maritime standoff.
According to the IRGC, several ships that tried to test the restrictions were forced to turn back today. This tightening of the blockade, first formally announced in June, has now begun to push oil prices upward, as markets price in the risk of disrupted tanker traffic through the world's most critical oil chokepoint.
As The Zioneer has previously reported (June 20), the IRGC declared the Strait closed to Israel-linked vessels earlier this month. President Trump subsequently warned Tehran against imposing tolls on commercial shipping. Thursday's statement appears to extend the regime's control beyond just Israel-linked vessels to all maritime traffic, asserting absolute authority. The U.S. Navy has previously challenged Iranian speedboats near the Strait, and Washington has said it will not tolerate a de facto Iranian blockade. No immediate U.S. or international response to Thursday's IRGC statement has been reported.
2 developments
- StrongIranian chief of staff claims full control of Strait of Hormuz, threatens shipping
- DevelopingIRGC Navy commander threatens to attack hostile warships in Strait of Hormuz
- DevelopingIRGC turns ships back in Strait of Hormuz, analyst suggests mine avoidance
- DevelopingUS Navy warns IRGC vessels in Persian: 'halt or we attack' near Strait of Hormuz
Source and signal
- Internal intake