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Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that it holds \u201ccomplete control\u201d over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world\u2019s most critical oil shipping lanes.<\/p>\n
The statement came after US President Donald Trump said the US Navy is ready to escort oil tankers through the waterway.<\/p>\n
Around one-fifth of the world\u2019s oil moves through the narrow strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Any disruption there can affect global energy supplies.<\/p>\n
In a statement reported by Iran\u2019s Fars news agency, IRGC Navy official Mohammad Akbarzadeh said the strait is fully under the control of Iran\u2019s navy.<\/p>\n
Iranian officials warned that ships trying to pass through could face missile or drone attacks. State-linked reports said more than 10 oil tankers have been targeted since the conflict began.<\/p>\n
Despite the heightened tensions, shipping activity has not completely stopped.<\/p>\n
In a rare voyage, the oil tanker Pola sailed through the Strait of Hormuz en route to a port in the United Arab Emirates to load crude.<\/p>\n
The vessel switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracker late Monday as it approached the strait. It reappeared on ship-tracking data on Tuesday off Abu Dhabi, according to Reuters and maritime tracking sources.<\/p>\n
Ships sometimes turn off AIS in high-risk areas to reduce the risk of being tracked or targeted.<\/p>\n
Clarksons Research estimates that about 3,200 ships, roughly 4 percent of global ship tonnage, are currently idle in the Gulf region. This figure includes approximately 1,230 vessels that primarily operate within the Gulf.<\/p>\n
Additionally, around 500 ships, representing about 1 percent of global tonnage, are waiting outside the Gulf near ports off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and Oman.<\/p>\n
Energy markets reacted quickly to rising tensions. Brent crude rose above $82 per barrel, up over 13% since the conflict began, the highest since July 2024.<\/p>\n
Traders fear that any sustained disruption to tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz could restrict global oil supplies.<\/p>\n
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the US Navy will escort tankers through the strait \u201cas soon as possible\u201d to keep energy flowing.<\/p>\n
He said the United States would ensure the free flow of energy to global markets and added that further actions could follow.<\/p>\n
French President Emmanuel Macron said that a military operation to reopen the shipping lane is under consideration.<\/p>\n