Iran Tightens Grip on Strait of Hormuz
In a recent development, a senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy declared that Iran has established exclusive control over the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway serves as a vital global conduit for energy shipments.
New Transit Regulations Enforced
Under the newly enforced rules, all foreign-flagged vessels intending to navigate the strait must comply with a set of requirements stipulated by Iran:
- Utilize the Persian language for all communication during passage.
- Pay designated transit fees to Iranian authorities.
The commander emphasized, "The territorial sovereignty of the Strait of Hormuz is Iran's inviolable right. Any transit must occur strictly within the framework of our regulations."
Final Authority Over Oil Exports
He further articulated a firm stance on energy exports: "Without the explicit order of the Supreme Leader and the will of the people, Iran will not permit a single drop of oil to flow from this waterway." This statement directly references the strait's pivotal role in the global oil supply chain.
Military Readiness and Shifting Regional Dynamics
The announcement also noted that Iranian armed forces are currently on high alert, described as being "with fingers on the trigger." The commander explicitly stated that the historical dominance of US military forces in the Persian Gulf "has come to an end." He reaffirmed Iran's full capability and preparedness to counter any potential forms of maritime blockade.