31 Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz Escorted by the IRGC

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that at least 31 commercial vessels had safely transited the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours, despite security tensions caused by the United States military in the Persian Gulf. The vessels included oil tankers and container ships, on Friday (22 May 2026). The IRGC Navy said that dozens of ships successfully passed the strategic waterway under its coordination and protection. The announcement was made by the IRGC Navy’s Public Relations Office in a statement released on Thursday (21 May) local time. Iranian authorities, which control the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf region, have established a zone for managing surveillance of the waterway. On Wednesday (20 May) local time, Tehran announced that movements through the strategic corridor require coordination and official permission. The Strait of the Persian Gulf Authority (PGSA) said the zone covers “the line connecting Mount Mubarak in Iran and the southern Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, on the eastern side of the strait, extending to the line connecting the tip of Qeshm Island in Iran and Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates, on the western side of the strait.” Iran is consolidating de facto control over the Strait of Hormuz through military checkpoints, vessel inspections, diplomatic arrangements, and, in some cases, security fees, for safe passage.