‘Complete control’: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim dominance over Strait of Hormuz
Tehran: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards asserted on Wednesday that they have established "complete control" over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any vessels attempting to navigate the strategic energy corridor risk being targeted by missiles or drones.
The claim, issued via a statement from Guards Navy official Mohammad Akbarzadeh on the Fars news agency, highlights the escalating struggle for dominance over one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.
"Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is under the complete control of the Islamic Republic's Navy," Akbarzadeh said. He added that ships seeking passage through the waterway, which facilitates the transit of one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, face significant danger from Iranian military hardware.
The pronouncement follows a declaration from U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, in which he stated that the U.S. Navy is prepared to provide armed escorts for oil tankers to ensure the "free flow of energy" amidst the ongoing regional war.
Despite Iran's claims of total oversight, U.S. Central Command officials have disputed the extent of Tehran's maritime presence, asserting that recent coalition strikes have significantly degraded the Iranian navy’s operational capabilities.
Tensions in the Strait have reached a breaking point following the launch of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend. The conflict has caused global energy prices to surge, as shipping companies and insurers grapple with the heightened risk of drone attacks and naval confrontations in the Gulf.
With inputs from AFP