The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed it now has total control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint through which 20% of the world’s oil supply passes daily.
According to an IRGC Navy official, Mohammad Akbarzadeh, the strait is under the complete authority of Iran’s navy, signaling Tehran’s intent to assert dominance over the key shipping lane.
“Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is under the complete control of the Islamic Republic’s Navy,” said Mohammad Akbarzadeh.
Nearly half of all crude oil destined for Asia passes through the strait, raising fears of an energy crisis.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps Attacks US in Indian Ocean
The IRGC also claimed that it had struck an American destroyer in the Indian Ocean.
According to the Corps, the warship was hit using “Ghadr-380” and “Talaieh” missiles and was refuelling from an American tanker when it was hit.
The Ghadr missile is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with a range of up to 2,000 kilometres, designed for precision strikes and rapid deployment, while Talaeieh is a strategic cruise missile system capable of reaching targets up to 1,000 kilometres away.
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It is a smart missile that can change targets mid-mission, adding to its strategic capabilities.
IRGC noted that the attack took place roughly 600-650 kilometers from Iran’s coastline while the American vessel was reportedly refueling from a support tanker, resulting in extensive fires aboard both the destroyer and the accompanying tanker.
Iran Retaliates Against Israel After Attack
The IRGC has launched approximately 40 missiles, an operation code-named “True Promise 4” in retaliation against US-Israeli assets since the war broke out on Saturday. The Iranian forces say they have struck numerous sensitive and strategic targets deep inside the occupied territory.
Missiles launched triggered air raid sirens across large areas of Israel, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
However, the Israeli military said its defense systems were actively intercepting the incoming threats, and no casualties had been reported.
Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, said it had not received reports of casualties following the missile alerts.
“We’ve not received any casualties following the missile alerts,” stated Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom.
Also Read: US Navy Ready to Escort Tankers Through Key Oil Shipping Route After Iran Warning
About the Strait of Hormuz
This is the only sea channel linking the oil-rich Persian Gulf (west) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (southeast).
More than 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass through the strait, which serves as the primary route for petroleum exported from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The exports are geographically focused, with about four-fifths going to importing countries in Asia, especially China, India, Japan, and South Korea.
The volume of the supply has a profound impact on pricing worldwide due to the low elasticity of petroleum product prices.
Along with the Strait of Malacca that connects the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, the Strait of Hormuz is one of the most vital oil chokepoints in the global economy.
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