Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced Wednesday morning that it has seized “full control” of the Strait of Hormuz, effectively halting traffic through the world’s most vital oil transit chokepoint. The move comes as a direct challenge to Washington’s pledge to maintain freedom of navigation in the region. Speaking to the Fars news agency, senior IRGC naval official Mohammad Akbarzadeh confirmed that the strategic waterway is now under the absolute authority of the Guard’s naval forces. Akbarzadeh revealed that Iranian forces have already targeted more than 10 oil tankers within the Strait, alleging that the vessels failed to comply with IRGC warnings. “It is now impossible for any oil or commercial vessel to transit the Strait following our declaration of its closure,” Akbarzadeh stated, emphasizing that the blockade is being strictly enforced.

Source: Egypt Independent March 04, 2026 10:43 UTC