Iran's IRGC Announces Tightened Control Over Hormuz Waterway

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced that control over the Strait of Hormuz has returned to what it described as its previous status, placing the vital maritime corridor under strict military monitoring.

In a statement issued by the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, affiliated with the IRGC, Iranian authorities said that, based on earlier understandings during negotiations, Tehran had initially allowed a limited number of oil tankers and commercial vessels to pass through the strait in an organized manner. However, the statement accused the United States of continuing what it described as “piracy” under the cover of a naval blockade.

Iran said that, as a result, tighter control has been reimposed over the strait, adding that the passage will remain under strict supervision by the country’s armed forces. It warned that unless Washington fully restores freedom of navigation for vessels traveling to and from Iran, the situation in the strait will remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran had announced the reopening of the waterway, but emphasized that the naval blockade would continue. He noted that restrictions would remain in place specifically on Iranian shipping until what he described as a full resolution with Tehran is achieved.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, handling a significant share of global oil shipments. Any disruption or tightening of control in the area carries immediate implications for global energy markets and international trade flows.