Iran Asserts Full Control Over Strait of Hormuz

Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters stated on 30 May that Iran’s armed forces are exercising full control over the Strait of Hormuz, according to official news agency IRNA. In a statement, the headquarters emphasised that all vessels, including commercial ships and oil tankers, must follow Iran-designated routes and obtain transit permits from the IRGC Navy to navigate the waterway. It warned that Iran’s armed forces would respond to any military vessel attempting to interfere with the strait’s control or disrupt traffic.

Meanwhile, the IRGC Navy stated that 20 vessels had transited the strait in the past 24 hours under coordination with its forces and Iranian maritime authorities, per semi-official news agency Fars. Fars quoted IRGC Navy officials stating the vessels were granted permits due to their countries’ need for commodities such as chemical fertilisers.

Iran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz from 28 February, banning Israeli- and US-affiliated vessels from safe passage following a joint US-Israel strike on Iranian territory. The US has also imposed a maritime blockade in the strait, preventing vessels bound for and from Iranian ports from transiting.