TEHRAN — Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday declared full control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that vessels attempting to transit the vital oil and gas shipping route could be at risk from missiles or stray drones.
“Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is under the complete control of the Islamic Republic’s Navy,” Guards Navy official Mohammad Akbarzadeh said in a statement reported by Fars News Agency.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with US President Donald Trump stating on Tuesday that the US Navy is prepared to escort oil tankers through the strategic waterway. The strait is a critical chokepoint, handling a significant portion of the world’s crude oil shipments.
Analysts warn that any disruption could have major implications for global energy markets, fueling concerns over potential spikes in oil prices.