IRGC declares Strait of Hormuz closed, says passage requires coordination with its navy

The IRGC announced Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and that all maritime passage requires coordination with the IRGC Navy. The paramilitary organization also accused U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) of lying about the strait remaining open for navigation under American escort, claiming that shipping companies cannot pass without difficulty.

The IRGC announced Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all maritime traffic and that any passage requires coordination with the IRGC Navy. The paramilitary organization also accused U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) of deceiving the public, claiming that CENTCOM's assertion that the strait remains open for navigation under American escort is false and that shipping companies cannot pass without difficulty.

The IRGC has repeatedly declared the strait closed since late June. As The Zioneer reported, on June 20 the IRGC announced the closure to Israel-linked vessels; on July 12 it stated the strait was closed due to "foreign intervention"; and on July 14 it confirmed it had disabled two commercial vessels in the waterway. The U.S. military has maintained that the strait remains an international waterway. On July 29, CENTCOM stated that it had facilitated the safe passage of roughly 1,000 vessels and 500 million barrels of crude oil through the strait since May.

The IRGC's latest statement directly contradicts CENTCOM's account. There is no independent confirmation of the current closure status, and it remains unclear whether the IRGC is actively enforcing the restriction.

• Developing04:03 · 12 JulIRGC announces temporary closure of Strait of Hormuz, citing 'foreign intervention'
• Developing2 days ago · 18:44 · 29 JulCENTCOM: Strait of Hormuz is international waterway, 1,000 vessels transited since May
• Strong00:13 · 22 JunIRGC announces closure of Strait of Hormuz after Iran's World Cup disqualification
• Developing05:00 · 15 JulIRGC says Strait of Hormuz to remain closed until US stops 'evil acts'

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