Iran's IRGC asserts full control over Strait of Hormuz despite Trump's warnings.

Iran has declared full control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, with the IRGC Navy confirming its operational command. The move raises concerns over maritime security and energy supply amid rising regional tensions.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has officially asserted full control over the Strait of Hormuz, reinforcing its strategic influence over one of the world’s most critical maritime passages. Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a senior official of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, confirmed on Wednesday that the Iranian Navy maintains complete operational command over the strait, an area responsible for transporting a significant portion of global oil supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, channels approximately twenty percent of global oil exports. The IRGC’s claim of authority has intensified international concern over the security of energy flows and regional stability. Fars News Agency has corroborated Tehran’s position, emphasizing the enduring presence and operational capacity of the IRGC in the strait.

Ongoing Shipping Activity

Despite Iran’s assertion of control, limited commercial navigation continues. Reuters reported that the oil tanker Pola successfully transited the strait en route to a port in the United Arab Emirates to load crude oil. According to shipping data and industry sources, the tanker temporarily deactivated its Automatic Identification System (AIS) on Monday while entering the strait and reactivated it on Tuesday near Abu Dhabi, indicating cautious navigation amid heightened military oversight.

Impact on Global Maritime Traffic

The IRGC’s strengthened control has disrupted regional shipping patterns. Approximately 3,200 vessels, accounting for 4% of global tonnage, are currently idle within the Gulf, according to Clarksons Research. Around 1,300 ships remain active within the strait’s territorial waters, while an additional 500 vessels, equivalent to 1% of global tonnage, await transit at ports along the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The situation poses challenges for the global supply chain and maritime logistics, highlighting the vulnerability of international trade routes to geopolitical pressures.

Consequences for Oil Markets

The tightened Iranian grip has exerted upward pressure on oil prices. Brent crude surpassed $82 per barrel, marking an increase of over 13% since the escalation of tensions, reaching levels not seen since July 2024. This surge reflects concerns over potential supply constraints and the strategic importance of the strait for global energy markets.

US Response

Former U.S. President Donald Trump signaled readiness to deploy naval forces to safeguard commercial shipping in the strait. His announcement indicated that the U.S. Navy would initiate convoy operations to ensure the uninterrupted flow of oil through this critical maritime corridor, reflecting Washington’s strategic interest in maintaining energy security and commercial continuity.

Regional Reactions: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

In response to the Iranian control, Pakistan has coordinated with Saudi Arabia to reroute oil shipments through the Red Sea port of Yanbu. A vessel has already been arranged to transport crude oil from Yanbu to Pakistan, ensuring the continuity of fuel supplies critical to the country’s power grid. This alternative route mitigates some of the risk posed by potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting regional efforts to secure energy deliveries amidst heightened geopolitical tensions.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz represents a convergence of strategic, economic, and political pressures, with global shipping, energy markets, and regional security all closely tied to the actions of the IRGC and international responses. Continued monitoring of shipping activity and oil flows will be crucial as the geopolitical landscape evolves in the coming weeks.

Sources:

• IRGC says Iran in ‘complete control’ of Strait of Hormuz amid Trump threats
• Iran Guards claim ‘complete control’ of Strait of Hormuz, warn ships face missile and drone risk
• Iran Claims Control Over Strait of Hormuz, Warns of Missile Threat to Passing Vessels