Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims full control of the Strait of Hormuz, although it says civilian maritime traffic is still allowed under regulated conditions.In a statement cited by AFP, the Guard’s naval command said “all traffic… is under the full control of the armed forces” and was accompanied by video showing ships being targeted in crosshairs. The warning was further escalated, “If the action is wrong, the enemy will be trapped in the deadly whirlpool of the channel.”
The assertion comes after U.S. President Donald Trump The United States ordered its navy to block the strategic waterway, a move that sharply heightened tensions in the region.Despite the tough rhetoric, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have sought to allay fears of a total shutdown. In a separate communication, it said that “contrary to false claims by some enemy officials”, the Strait of Hormuz is “open to innocent passage of civilian vessels in accordance with specific relevant regulations.” However, it did not clarify the meaning of these provisions.The statement also drew a clear red line on military operations, warning that “any warship attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz under any pretext will be regarded as a violation of the ceasefire agreement and will be dealt with seriously.”Trump, meanwhile, outlined a long-term goal in social media posts, signaling Washington’s goal to clear the strait of mines and restore full commercial access. He stressed that until then, Iran should not benefit economically from its control of the route.Iran began an effective blockade of the strait after a conflict with the United States and Israel broke out on February 28, disrupting one of the world’s most important oil shipping corridors and pushing up global energy prices.Although a two-week ceasefire was reached last week, its durability remains uncertain, especially as recent U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad failed to achieve a breakthrough and Vice President Vance, who led the delegation, has left Islamabad.
