Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that no oil tankers or liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without prior coordination and approval from Iranian authorities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the IRGC claimed that two vessels had violated regulations during an incident in the strategic waterway. The military also alleged that four United States-backed ships ignored warnings issued by the IRGC Navy while attempting to transit what Iran described as an “unsafe route” through the Strait of Hormuz after switching off their navigation systems. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas exports.
According to the IRGC, the confrontation ended with two of the vessels stopping following the incident, while the remaining two turned back.
The statement, quoted by Iranian news outlet Etemad Online, further asserted that Iran maintains full control over the Strait of Hormuz and that the only approved shipping route is the one designated by Iranian authorities.
“As previously stated, not a single drop of oil, gas or even fertiliser will be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without coordination and authorisation from Iran,” the IRGC said.
The latest warning comes amid continued tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a vital maritime corridor for international energy supplies and global trade.
