IRGC Imposes New Shipping Rules in Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz

Middle Eastern outlets describe Iran’s new rules and “management order” as an attempt to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf in response to US pressure. They present Tehran’s stance as rooted in sovereignty and historical grievances, while warning that threats to attack US forces raise the risk of direct clashes. They expect regional states and outside powers to test Iran’s resolve through naval escorts, UN action, or alternative routes.

• •Iran’s leadership treats control over the Strait of Hormuz as comparable in importance to the nationalization of its oil industry.
• •IRGC commanders insist that foreign warships, especially US and Israeli vessels, must accept Iran’s rules if they wish to transit Hormuz.
• •Iranian officials warn that US naval escorts for commercial ships will be treated as hostile if they ignore Iranian instructions.
• •Gulf Arab governments are coordinating with Washington on a UN resolution to challenge Iran’s unilateral rules in Hormuz.
• •Regional commentators expect Iran to use ship inspections and temporary detentions to enforce its new order without immediately triggering a full-scale war.