Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has once again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all maritime traffic following a series of attacks on oil tankers, escalating tensions in one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
The IRGC Navy announced on Saturday (17 October) that vessels from all countries would be prohibited from passing through the strait until further notice, according to Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA.
The force warned that ships attempting to cross the waterway in defiance of Iranian restrictions would face severe consequences.
It also cautioned vessels against relying on US military protection while navigating the strategic passage, warning that doing so could expose them to serious danger.
The announcement came amid heightened maritime tensions following several attacks and explosions involving commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian authorities, a large oil tanker recently caught fire after striking an underwater naval mine while attempting to navigate the strait.
The IRGC said the tanker, carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil, had entered an unauthorised route before striking the mine and catching fire.
Reports also indicated that at least two other oil tankers were attacked near Saudi Arabian waters, further raising concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
The incidents have heightened fears of further attacks on vessels operating in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea,
is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for transporting crude oil and other energy supplies.
Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could have far-reaching consequences for international energy markets, global supply chains and oil prices.
The latest declaration comes amid continuing tensions involving Iran and the United States, with maritime security becoming an increasingly serious concern for international shipping operators.
Recent attacks have already disrupted commercial traffic, forcing some shipping companies to reconsider routes and raising fears of further instability in global energy supplies.
The IRGC has reiterated that vessels must comply with Iranian restrictions and warned that attempts to violate its orders could result in further incidents.
With no indication of when unrestricted navigation might resume, uncertainty remains over the future of shipping operations through the strategically vital waterway.