Iran's military says Strait of Hormuz shipping requires its permission
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Iran's military chief, Major General Habibollah Sayyari, said on Wednesday that no ships may transit the Strait of Hormuz without authorization from the Iranian army or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The statement escalates tensions with Washington, as the U.S. has carried out strikes on Iran in response to what it called attacks on commercial vessels in the strait. The new restrictions come even as a ceasefire between the two countries collapsed last month.
The Shipping Restriction
Major General Habibollah Sayyari, chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, said in a televised statement that the army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would block any unauthorized transit in the strait. The announcement did not specify how ships would request permission or what penalties would apply. It comes after weeks of mutual strikes between Iran and the United States, following the collapse of a brief ceasefire on June 18.
U.S.-Iran Confrontation
President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over on July 8, prompting U.S. Central Command to launch strikes on Iranian targets in response to alleged Iranian attacks on commercial shipping. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on American bases in the Middle East. The tit-for-tat exchanges have raised fears of a wider war, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire memorandum.
What's Next
The International Maritime Organization is expected to issue guidance for commercial shipping on Thursday, but it remains unclear how Iran will enforce the new restrictions and whether the U.S. will continue or escalate its military operations.
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Iran's military says Strait of Hormuz shipping requires its permission
