Iran is Panicking, Claims Strait of Hormuz is Open
Brink of War: Iran’s IRGC declares the Strait of Hormuz "open" under its control just as the U.S. naval blockade begins. With commercial traffic at a standstill and oil prices soaring, Tehran warns of a "harsh response" to U.S. military vessels. Read the latest on the high-stakes standoff following the collapse of the Islamabad talks.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy declared Monday that the Strait of Hormuz is open for the safe passage of non-military vessels, even as the United States began enforcing a naval blockade on all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports in the vital waterway.
In an official statement, the IRGC Navy said it maintains “full and intelligent control” of the strait. It added that passage is permitted for civilian and non-military vessels “under specific regulations” and in coordination with Iranian forces. However, the IRGC issued a clear warning: any military vessels, particularly those linked to the United States or its allies attempting to approach or transit the strait would be considered a violation of the fragile ceasefire and would be met with a “severe” or “harsh” response.
The Iranian claim came hours before the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) will activate its blockade shortly - 10 a.m. ET (5:30 p.m. Tehran time) today (Monday). President Donald Trump ordered the operation after weekend proximity talks in Islamabad between the U.S. and Iran collapsed without agreement on nuclear restrictions or unrestricted freedom of navigation.
Despite Tehran’s assertion that the strait is open, independent shipping data shows commercial traffic remains extremely limited, well below 10% of normal volumes. Only a handful of vessels have passed through in recent days, with most tankers and cargo ships still holding position or diverting routes amid the tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical chokepoints, carrying roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. The competing claims and the start of the U.S. blockade have sent oil prices spiking again on Monday.
No immediate incidents were reported as the U.S. operation got underway, but the situation remains highly fluid. Iran has previously described the U.S. moves as “piracy” and has threatened retaliation against Gulf energy facilities and ports if the blockade escalates.