The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to vessels associated with the "Zionist entity and its supporters," issuing no transit permits until further notice. The announcement, also carried by Iran's Fars News Agency, reaffirms the targeted blockade first declared Saturday evening in response to continued Israeli operations in Lebanon.
The IRGC's formal reiteration Sunday morning marks the second day of an announced maritime blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. Unlike blanket closure claims, the IRGC's statement — first published Saturday at 23:25 Jerusalem and repeated Sunday — specifically targets vessels tied to Israel and its allies, not all shipping.
Iran's Fars News Agency confirmed the directive, quoting a military source saying the IRGC Navy "will not issue transit permits to any vessel until further notice." The IRGC linked the measure to the failure of international pressure, particularly by the United States, to halt Israeli operations in Lebanon, which Tehran frames as "aggression."
As The Zioneer reported Saturday and Friday, the IRGC has progressively escalated its Hormuz posture over the past week. Saturday evening's declaration formally voided prior understandings that had kept the waterway open. The U.S. has disputed earlier Iranian closure claims, asserting that maritime traffic continues, but Sunday's statement suggests Tehran is maintaining its position rather than retreating.
The blockade applies selectively: vessels associated with Israel and its supporters are barred, while other commercial shipping may still transit — though enforcement remains unverified, and any attempt to challenge the closure has been threatened with force.
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