On May 5 (local time), the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran (IRGC) called on all ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz along the corridor designated by Tehran.
This warning was issued by Iranian forces in a military announcement and broadcast on Iranian state television. According to the IRGC, the corridor provided by Iran is the only safe route for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating military tensions in the region.
The corridor provided by Iran is the only safe way to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Redirecting ships to other routes is unsafe and the IRGC will take resolute action against anyone who takes such a step," the statement said.
The IRGC's statement was made after US President Donald Trump announced Operation "Freedom Project" on May 3, to escort ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US, this operation aims to support ships stranded in the area due to military conflict.
President Trump also warned Washington that it would respond with force if this "humanitarian process" was hindered in any form.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping routes, especially for oil and gas transportation. This area is located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Therefore, any military move or maritime restriction here could affect regional security as well as the global energy market.
In recent weeks, the Strait of Hormuz has become the focus of tension between Iran and the US. Tehran believes that the blockade and US military presence increase the risk to maritime security. Meanwhile, Washington affirms that escorting ships is aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and supporting civilian ships affected by the conflict.
A new warning from the IRGC shows that the risk of confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz has not cooled down. The fact that both Iran and the US have issued separate mechanisms related to the movement of ships may make the situation on this strategic shipping route more complicated in the near future.
