Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy announced Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its previous status, particularly for the United States and Israel, as Tehran moves to implement a new security framework for the Persian Gulf aimed at excluding what it considers hostile actors.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, the IRGC Navy said, “The Strait of Hormuz will never return to its former state, especially for the US and Israel.” The statement added that the naval force is in the final stages of operational preparations for what Iranian officials have described as a “new order for the Persian Gulf,” signaling a long-term restructuring of maritime control and security oversight.
The announcement follows recent developments in Tehran’s legislative agenda. Iranian media reported that the parliament, in committee, approved a draft law introducing transit fees for ships passing through the strait. The proposal mandates that fees be paid in Iran’s national currency, the rial, and includes explicit bans on transit for vessels from the United States and Israel. The draft also imposes restrictions on countries participating in unilateral sanctions against Iran.
Beyond economic measures, the legislation asserts Iran’s sovereignty over the strait and outlines the authority of its armed forces to enforce maritime security. Additional provisions address environmental protection, legal cooperation with Oman, and the regulation of foreign vessels within Iranian waters. Analysts suggest these moves represent a significant escalation in Tehran’s control over one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes.
The developments occur against the backdrop of intensified regional conflict following a joint US-Israel military offensive against Iran launched on February 28. Reports indicate that the offensive has resulted in over 1,340 fatalities, including Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In response, Iran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as countries hosting US military assets, including Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations. The retaliatory operations have caused casualties, infrastructure damage, and significant disruptions to global energy markets and aviation routes.
Regional security experts warn that Iran’s new security arrangements and legislative actions concerning the Strait of Hormuz could further constrain global shipping and energy supply chains, particularly for nations reliant on Gulf oil exports. The combination of military threats, regulatory changes, and exclusionary policies may create long-term uncertainty for commercial vessels transiting one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints.
Tehran’s statements underscore a strategic shift in its posture toward the Persian Gulf, signaling that the country intends to assert greater control over maritime access, restrict operations for perceived adversaries, and enhance its ability to project influence across the region. International stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely, assessing potential economic and security implications as tensions remain high.
