ALWAGHT- The IRGC Navy has declared a significant strategic enlargement of Iran's defensive zone in the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to prevent any infringement on the nation's territorial waters or its national interests.
Rear Admiral Mohammad Akbarzadeh, political deputy of the IRGC Navy, announced that Iran has fundamentally redefined the operational boundaries of the Strait of Hormuz. What was once a limited area around islands such as Hormuz and Hengam has now expanded into a vast operational zone stretching from the coasts of Jask and Sirik to beyond Greater Tunb Island—widening from 20-30 miles to over 200-300 miles (500 kilometers), forming a complete crescent. The IRGC official emphasized that Iran is carefully and authoritatively monitoring all regional movements and will not allow any encroachment upon its waters or interests.
The IRGC has declared that the only safe route through the strait will be a corridor designated by Iran, warning of a "decisive response" to any vessels that deviate. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to hostile shipping since early March, days after the US and Israel launched their war of aggression against the country. Tehran began enforcing much stricter controls after the US announced a blockade on Iranian vessels and ports—a move Iran has condemned as illegal and an act of maritime piracy—with the armed forces vowing to defend the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity "with all their might."
