IRGC Navy claims Strait of Hormuz now stretches into a 500-km operational crescent

Rashmi Pandey — Tue, 12 May 2026 09:41:02 +0000

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy on Tuesday claimed that the Strait of Hormuz has been “significantly expanded” into a wider strategic and operational zone, stretching nearly 500 kilometres across key Gulf waters and islands amid escalating regional tensions.

According to statements carried by Iran’s semi-state Tasnim News Agency and other Iranian media outlets, IRGC Navy political deputy Mohammad Akbarzadeh said the strait is no longer viewed as a limited maritime corridor around Hormuz and Hengam islands. Instead, Tehran now considers the zone to extend from the coasts of Jask and Sirik to areas beyond Qeshm Island and Greater Tunb Island.

Akbarzadeh described the region as a “complete crescent” and warned that only shipping routes designated by Iran would be considered safe for transit. He also stated that Iranian armed forces were closely monitoring all movements in the region and would respond decisively to any “encroachment” on Iranian waters and interests.

The latest announcement comes amid continuing tensions linked to the ongoing Iran-US maritime standoff and heightened military activity in the Persian Gulf. Earlier this month, Iran introduced a new mechanism to manage vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz and instructed commercial vessels to coordinate passage with Iranian authorities.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, carrying a major share of global oil and LNG shipments. Recent disruptions and military warnings in the region have triggered concerns over energy markets and international shipping security.

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IRGC Navy claims Strait of Hormuz now stretches into a 500-km operational crescent