The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced that it has monitored and ensured the safe passage of 25 vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.
According to an official statement, the vessels were escorted and controlled throughout their transit of the strait, which regularly sees a presence from multiple international naval forces. The operation falls within the framework of Iran's mandate to protect maritime security and its sovereignty over these strategic waters.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical chokepoints, with roughly 20% of global crude oil passing through it. The IRGC's increased presence and surveillance in the area is widely seen as a move to assert control and project deterrence amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the West over Tehran's nuclear program and regional affairs.
Analysts say this move could amplify concerns over maritime security along the vital shipping lane, particularly given past incidents involving oil tankers and commercial vessels. However, Iran insists its activities fully comply with international law and are intended to contribute to regional security stability.
