Iran's army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia declared on 3 May that the country's armed forces are exercising complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that no vessel — friendly or hostile — may transit the critical waterway without explicit authorisation from Iranian forces. The statement marks one of Tehran's most direct assertions of dominance over a chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world's traded oil passes.

Key Declaration by Iran's Military

"At present, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps in the west and the country's army in the east are controlling the strait with power, and no ship, friend or foe, will have the right to pass without the permission and authorization of our forces," Akraminia said, according to footage of his remarks carried by Iranian media.

Akraminia further stated that controlling the Strait of Hormuz is "an inherent right" of Iran — one the country had not exercised for years but is now actively enforcing.

Countries Reportedly Seeking Iran's Clearance

The semi-official Fars news agency quoted Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Ghanbari as saying that "different countries are anxiously and urgently requesting Iran through telexes and letters to let their ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz." The remarks underscore the real-world pressure the new policy is placing on global shipping routes and trading nations.

How the Blockade Began

Iran tightened its grip on the strait beginning 28 February, when it barred safe passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territory, according to Xinhua news agency. The move represented a significant escalation in Iran's use of the strait as a geopolitical lever.

Supreme Leader Sets Out New Legal Framework

Earlier on Thursday, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei — speaking on the occasion of the National Day of Persian Gulf — declared that a "new chapter" is being drawn in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. He announced a new "legal framework" and management system for the waterway, claiming it would "advance comfort and development for all the region's nations."

In a message reported by Iran's Mehr news agency, Khamenei invoked Iran's history of resistance against what he described as repeated European and American incursions, calling the Islamic Revolution a "turning point" in the Persian Gulf's trajectory. He projected a future for the region that would be "free of America" and devoted to "progress, peace, and prosperity."

Global Implications and What Comes Next

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically vital maritime corridors, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Any sustained restriction on passage could send energy prices sharply higher and disrupt supply chains across Asia, Europe, and beyond. The international community, including major oil-importing nations, is closely watching whether Tehran's declared control translates into active interdiction of non-Israeli, non-US vessels. Diplomatic responses from affected nations are expected in the coming days.