• Source:JND
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In a significant escalation of control over one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued new directives governing the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest command mandates that:

  • Civilian vessels can only transit through the route designated by Iran
  • Ships can only transit the Strait with permission from the IRGC Navy
  • Military vessels are prohibited from transiting the strait

A X post stated that ships, including commercial vessels, may only pass through designated routes approved by Iran, and coordination with Iranian maritime authorities is mandatory. 

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The IRGC has also asserted that it will decide which ships are allowed to cross, highlighting its dominant role over maritime security in the region despite diplomatic signals from Iran’s civilian leadership.

Strait Of Hormuz ‘Open Completely’

The move comes shortly after Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz was “open” following a ceasefire-linked de-escalation in the region. However, the IRGC’s stance indicates that the reopening is conditional and tightly regulated, rather than a full restoration of normal maritime traffic.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran,” FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi said in a X post.

US President Trump, the opening of the Strait and in a Truth Social post, said, "Iran has just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!" 

21 Ships Make U-Turn Due To Naval Blockade

Trump further stated that despite the opening of the Strait, the US will continue its naval blockade till the "transaction" with Iran is complete. 

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Since the commencement of the US-initiated naval blockage targeting access to Iranian ports amid diplomatic engagements to achieve a complete solution to the hostilities in the region, around 21 vessels have been compelled to make a U-turn towards Iran, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday.

“Guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) patrols the Arabian Sea, April 17, as US forces enforce the naval blockade on ships attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports. Since the commencement of the blockade, 21 ships have complied with the direction from US forces to turn around and return to Iran,” CENTCOM stated in a X post.

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