IRGC commander claims control over Strait of Hormuz

Ali Fadavi, a high-ranking commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has asserted that Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz. In recent statements, Fadavi claimed that no American naval vessels are currently present in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman, or the northern Indian Ocean, suggesting that U.S. forces have been pushed over a thousand kilometers away from Iranian borders.

Fadavi warned that vessels utilizing routes monitored by the U.S. near the Omani coast could be targeted “at any moment.” He characterized the volume of oil passing through these specific routes as “insignificant” compared to pre-war traffic levels, disputing recent data suggesting a resurgence in regional oil exports.

While some ship captains reportedly avoid the southern routes near Oman due to navigational hazards like reefs, Fadavi noted that insurance and damage compensation costs are forcing them to use these paths. He reiterated that the IRGC Navy considers these vessels legitimate targets.