Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that 26 vessels transited the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz during the past 24 hours under the coordination and security supervision of Iranian naval forces.

In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said the vessels included oil tankers, container ships, and other commercial carriers navigating one of the world’s most critical maritime energy corridors.

“During the last 24 hours, 26 vessels, including oil tankers, container ships, and other commercial ships, passed through the Strait of Hormuz under the coordination and security of the IRGC Navy,” the statement said.

Iranian authorities emphasized that all maritime crossings through the strait were being carried out only with the permission and coordination of Iranian naval forces.

Since the outbreak of conflict involving the United States and the Israeli occupation regime on February 28, Tehran has significantly tightened control over shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which a large portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.

Despite a ceasefire agreement, Iran has remained under what Tehran describes as a US naval blockade since April 13. Iranian officials insist that vessels crossing the waterway must receive authorization from the country’s armed forces.

On Wednesday, South Korea announced that an oil tanker from the country had successfully passed through the strait, marking the first such transit since the beginning of the conflict.

Iran also recently announced the official establishment of the Gulf Strait Authority, a new body tasked with managing and regulating maritime traffic through the sensitive waterway.

Last week, Iranian officials stated that more than 30 vessels — including several Chinese ships — had also been permitted to transit the strait under Iranian supervision.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime chokepoints, and any disruption in the area continues to raise concerns over global energy supplies and regional security. (ILKHA)