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.
