Iran: Bans U.S., Israeli, and European Ships from Passing Through the Strait of Hormuz

March 5, 2026

Xinhuanet

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According to Iranian media reports, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement on March 5, declaring that during the war, Iran has the right to control the passage and navigation of the Strait of Hormuz, and explicitly prohibit the military and commercial ships of the United States, Israel, European countries and their supporters from passing through the Strait, warning that they would be hit if found. On the same day, Iran claimed that its naval fighter jets hit a U.S. tanker in the northern Persian Gulf, causing the tanker to catch fire. This series of statements and actions highlights the escalating tensions in the region. However, the Iranian side also clarified through an officer that Iran has not completely closed the Strait of Hormuz, but treats transiting ships normally in accordance with international agreements, and its interception targets are limited to warships disguised as merchant ships. The Strait of Hormuz is the key throat of global oil transport

　　Tehran, March 5 (Xinhua) According to Iranian media reports, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on the 5th that during wartime, Iran has the right to control the passage and navigation of the Strait of Hormuz, and ships from the United States, Israel, and European countries are prohibited from passing.

　　The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that military and commercial ships belonging to the United States, Israel, European countries, and their supporters are prohibited from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, "if discovered by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, they will definitely be attacked."

　　The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also said that its naval fighter jets hit a U.S. oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf early that morning, "the tanker is currently burning."

　　According to reports from several Iranian media on the 5th, quoting an Iranian officer, Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian officer said that Iran treats transiting ships according to international agreements, "only intercepting warships disguised as merchant ships."

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