The Strait of Hormuz is no longer considered a narrow strip surrounding some islands as before, but has been significantly expanded in both scope and military significance, said Mohammad Akbarzadeh - Deputy Political Director of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.
“Previously, the Strait of Hormuz was identified as an area limiting islands such as Hormuz and Hengam, but now that view has changed,” state news agency Fars quoted Mr. Akbarzadeh as saying.
IRGC Navy official Akbarzadeh emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is currently identified as a strategic area stretching from the city of Jask in the east to Siri Island in the west and is described as "a vast combat area".
This expansion of scope is the 2nd move announced by Iran since the US-Israel conflict with Iran broke out.
Previously, on May 4, the IRGC Navy released a map showing a new control zone along a significant part of the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Gulf of Oman.
The area stretches from Mount Mobarak of Iran and the UAE Emirate of Fujairah to the east, to Qeshm Island of Iran and the UAE Emirate of Umm Al Quwain to the west.
The announcement on May 12 shows that this scope continues to be expanded further.
Fars and Tasnim - another Iranian news agency - informed on May 12 that the width of the area controlling the Strait of Hormuz, previously estimated at about 32-48km, has now increased to about 320-480km.
According to Tasnim, this expanded area forms a "complete crescent belt".
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime route leading to the Gulf region. About 1/5 of the world's supply of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes through this strait. It is also a key export route for countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Qatar.
