Iran

Oil smuggling through an illegal passage in the Strait of Hormuz had been completely halted following the destruction of enemy navigation aid systems on the key waterway's southern rocks, according to a report. The report by Fars News Agency, citing an informed source in the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy, said no unauthorized vessels managed to enter the illegal passage overnight following the destruction of the navigation systems.

The source added that the operation had brought oil smuggling through the passage to a complete stop. Earlier, IRGC Chief Commander’s Senior Adviser Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naghdi had announced that a limited number of routes created by unauthorized individuals through explosions and the destruction of rocky formations in the Strait of Hormuz would soon be blocked. Iranian armed forces have maintained control over transit through the Strait of Hormuz, requiring prior authorization and restricting safe passage to designated northern corridors.

Southern routes near Omani waters have been declared unauthorized and mined. IRGC Navy units have repeatedly intercepted or neutralized ships attempting covert transit, including those linked to the Israeli regime or operating under US encouragement. IRGC commanders have stressed that empty American promises of escort and protection have repeatedly proven hollow, as vessels trusting such assurances have been halted or destroyed. The force has underscored that only ships complying with Iranian rules can transit safely, while those serving the interests of the aggressors face decisive consequences.

Iran imposed the restrictions on the strait in response to the latest round of US-Israeli aggression, which began on February 28.