Iran’s military command issued a stern warning on Saturday against any military interference in the Strait of Hormuz or attempts to disrupt its operations. The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated that Iran’s armed forces have full authority over the management of this strategic waterway and will not tolerate external meddling.
The statement emphasized that all commercial ships, vessels, and oil tankers must use designated routes and obtain prior authorization from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy before transit. It also stressed that compliance with Iranian regulations is mandatory, warning vessels violating these rules could face risks to their safety during transit.
Foreign naval forces operating in the region were directly warned against any military action aimed at interfering with the management of the Strait of Hormuz or disrupting navigation, as such actions would be met by a response from Iran’s armed forces. The statement emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly 20 to 30 percent of globally seaborne petroleum and crude oil supplies.
Iran has restricted access to the waterway for the United States and allied countries following recent US and Israeli military actions against the Islamic Republic. Tehran tightened its control over the strait after US President Donald Trump announced a blockade of Iranian vessels and ports, which Iranian officials described as a violation of ceasefire terms previously declared by Washington. The blockade has since been lifted.
The IRGC Navy also pledged to enforce what it described as a historic directive from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, regarding the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.