IRGC claims full control of Strait of Hormuz, disputing US claims

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has asserted full control over the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting claims by United States officials that the waterway is open for international shipping. The IRGC described US assertions as a ‘revealed lie’ intended to manipulate oil prices and mask American defeat. The Iranian forces stated that vessels attempting to transit the strait without prior coordination with Iran will not receive permission.

In contrast, Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that US forces have cleared international maritime routes in the strait over recent months, rendering them open. US President Donald Trump also claimed the waterway is fully open and under US control.

While these conflicting claims remain unverified, data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) indicates that approximately 29 cargo ships have passed through the strait daily over the last week. This is a significant decrease from the pre-war average of nearly 130 ships per day, according to International Maritime Organization data. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global route for the export of oil, gas, and fertilizers.