IRGC Warns of Forceful Action Against Vessels Defying Strait of Hormuz Rules
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TEHRAN, May 4 (AP) — The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) vowed Monday to use force to stop any vessels attempting to defy its new management rules for international transit through the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the critical waterway.
The IRGC Navy announced the enforcement measures following a directive from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The new protocols require all commercial and military vessels to adhere to specific transit procedures before entering the strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and serves as a chokepoint for a significant portion of the world's oil supply.
"Any vessel that attempts to bypass these rules will be forcefully stopped," an IRGC statement read. The military branch cited the need to enforce management rules and transit protocols as a direct response to what it described as U.S. and Israeli aggression and an alleged illegal blockade in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically vital shipping lanes. Tensions have risen in recent months amid broader geopolitical friction between Iran and Western powers. The IRGC's declaration marks a significant shift in how the military branch intends to manage traffic through the narrow passage, which is flanked by Iran to the north and the United Arab Emirates and Oman to the south.
The announcement comes as international shipping companies monitor the situation closely. The potential for military confrontation in the strait raises concerns among global energy markets and logistics firms that rely on the route for transporting crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
U.S. officials have not yet issued a formal response to the IRGC's warning. However, the United States maintains a naval presence in the Persian Gulf and has frequently criticized Iran's actions in the region. Previous incidents involving the seizure of tankers and the harassment of commercial ships have heightened fears of a broader conflict.
Iran has long argued that the strait is subject to its national laws and that international transit must comply with its regulations. The country has previously threatened to close the waterway in response to sanctions or military threats, though such a move would likely trigger a severe global economic shock.
The IRGC's new stance leaves open the question of how international vessels will navigate the strait under the new rules. Shipping companies and naval forces from allied nations are expected to assess the situation before determining their next steps. The international community remains divided on how to respond to Iran's assertion of control over the waterway.
As of Monday afternoon, no incidents had been reported involving vessels being stopped or detained under the new protocols. However, the IRGC indicated that enforcement would begin immediately. The situation continues to develop as diplomatic channels remain active between regional powers and international stakeholders.