Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed it now has “complete control” over the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor for global energy supplies.
Tehran warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway — which carries a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments — could be “set on fire”, effectively halting maritime traffic through the route.
Iran has already targeted several tankers in the Gulf since the joint US-Israeli operation began on Saturday. However, its naval capabilities have reportedly suffered heavy damage, with naval headquarters destroyed and multiple warships sunk during the conflict.
Mohammad Akbarzadeh, an official with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval forces, said: “Currently the Strait of Hormuz is under the complete control of the Islamic Republic’s Navy.” The statement was broadcast on state television as Israel launched another round of strikes against targets in Iran and positions linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon, marking the fifth day of hostilities in the region.
Earlier, Donald Trump said the US Navy would escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas flows. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron said a potential military operation to reopen the shipping lane was being considered.
Financial markets have reacted sharply to the escalating conflict, with global equities falling and energy prices surging amid fears that the war could disrupt critical oil and gas supplies.
