Iran Affirms Mandatory Licensing and Supervision for Ships Transiting Strait of Hormuz

Iran reiterated its full control over the Strait of Hormuz, at a time when Pakistani efforts continue to extend the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington and bridge viewpoints to resume negotiations. The new Iranian military command announced that no vessel could safely cross the Strait of Hormuz without prior license and supervision from Iran. The command denied what it described as American claims regarding normal freedom of navigation in the Strait. The spokesperson for the "Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters," Ibrahim Dhou Al-Faqari, stated that the Strait remains under the full administration and control of the Islamic Republic of Iran, affirming that the armed forces closely monitor the movements of American and Israeli forces in the region. Tehran also hinted at a decisive and stronger response to any threat from "enemies," according to official Iranian media reports. For his part, Hossein Taeb, commander of the paramilitary Basij forces affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, confirmed earlier that the Strait of Hormuz is "under Iran's control and administration." Taeb added that the United States sought to undermine the Islamic Republic's popularity in the region by waging another war in the Strait of Hormuz, but was "defeated again despite its declaration that Iran possesses neither an air force nor a navy," as reported by Fars News Agency. Taeb emphasized that "Hormuz today is under the administration and control of the Islamic Republic," affirming that his country continues its path with complete security.