The Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz since Saturday evening. The strait will remain closed until the United States lifts its naval blockade on the waterway. This decision follows the US’s failure to end its naval blockade against Iranian vessels and ports, violating commitments made during a two-week ceasefire that began on April 8.
The IRGC Navy has instructed all vessels and their owners to stay updated through its channel and VHF Channel 16, the international maritime distress, safety, and calling frequency. It emphasized that US President Donald Trump’s statements hold no credibility in the strait and the Gulf. The IRGC warned that any vessel moving from its anchorage in the Gulf or the Gulf of Oman will be considered as “cooperation with the enemy” and will be targeted accordingly.
Since February 28, Iran has enforced strict control over the strait, prohibiting the passage of vessels linked to Israel and the United States. This action was taken after joint strikes on Iranian territory by the two countries. Subsequently, the United States imposed its own blockade on the waterway following the collapse of peace negotiations with Iran in Pakistan’s Islamabad. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi assured that the strait would remain open for commercial shipping during the current truce with the United States, aligning with the ceasefire announced in Lebanon.
Despite Araghchi’s statement, President Trump affirmed that the US naval blockade would continue at full strength until a deal is reached with Iran. He dismissed Iran’s attempt to use the strait as a means of “blackmail.” The situation remains tense with both sides holding firm on their positions.
