Revolutionary Guard says Strait of Hormuz ‘under full control’ of Iran

A navy ship is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world’s oil and gas passes, on March 1, 2026. SAHAR AL ATTAR / AFP Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said on Wednesday (4) that the Strait of Hormuz is “under the full control” of the Islamic Republic Navy. 📱Download the g1 app to see news in real time and for free The statement comes after the President of the United States, Donald Trump, said that the North American country is prepared to act if oil tanker traffic in the passage is threatened. On Monday (2), the Iranian government announced the closure of the strait and stated that it could attack vessels that try to cross the route. In a publication on the Truth Social network, the Republican declared that, if necessary, the US Navy will be able to escort vessels transporting oil through the region. “If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. Whatever happens, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW OF ENERGY to the WORLD,” he wrote. Also on Tuesday (3), the US Army claimed to have sunk 17 Iranian vessels. The Armed Forces stated that “there are no Iranian vessels in operation in the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz or the Gulf of Oman”. Trump says the US will be able to escort oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz Route not officially blocked Despite the threat, United States military authorities stated that the sea route is not officially blocked. The impasse has raised tension in one of the most sensitive areas for global energy supplies. In the published text, Trump also reported that he had determined, “with immediate effect”, that the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for all maritime trade transiting the Gulf, especially energy transport. According to him, the measures will be available to all shipping companies and will have a “very reasonable” cost. The escalation of statements had an immediate impact on international markets. Oil prices soared this Tuesday (3), reflecting fears that the war in the Middle East will prolong, that the strait will be effectively closed and that attacks will hit energy sector installations. During the morning, a barrel of Brent for delivery in May rose 8.43%, quoted at US$84.29. Later, at 3 pm, the increase slowed to 7.04%, with the price at US$83.21. American West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil, due in April, advanced 8.79%, trading at US$77.49. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic maritime routes on the planet. It connects the Gulf’s major producers — such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates — to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is estimated that around a fifth of all the oil consumed in the world passes through this narrow strip of sea. Any interruption in traffic in the region could reduce global supply and put even more pressure on commodity prices, with repercussions on fuel, transport and inflation in several countries. Therefore, the statements by Iranian and American authorities were closely monitored by investors and governments, amid fears that the conflict would take on new dimensions and directly affect the international energy market. *With information from AFP Infographic – Strait of Hormuz Arte/g1

Source link