The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran announced on March 27 that it has officially closed the Strait of Hormuz to vessels from the United States, Israel, and their allied nations. According to the Iranian military, this strategic move is a direct response to the ongoing regional conflict and is intended to safeguard national interests. The IRGC emphasized that no corridor within the strait would be accessible to ships associated with these specific nations.
This escalation follows a period of heightened military activity that commenced on February 28, involving a series of strikes and counter-strikes between Iran and the US-Israel alliance. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil and gas shipments, and its closure represents a significant development in the maritime security landscape of the Middle East.
Forced Retreat of International Vessels
In a statement published on the Sepah News website, the IRGC confirmed that three vessels from different nations were forced to turn back on the morning of March 27. The Iranian navy issued warnings to these ships as they attempted to navigate the strait, leading to their immediate retreat. The IRGC stated that these actions were taken to enforce the new maritime restrictions and to demonstrate their control over the strategic waterway.
Strict Restrictions on Maritime Corridors
The Iranian military has declared that no vessel belonging to the US, Israel, or their allies will be permitted to use any maritime corridors for transit to any destination. This ban is comprehensive, covering commercial, logistics, and military-affiliated shipping. The IRGC has warned of potential military intervention should any vessel attempt to bypass these restrictions or ignore naval warnings in the Gulf region.
Impact on Global Shipping and COSCO Vessels
Energy market intelligence firm Kpler reported on March 27 that two container ships owned by the Chinese company COSCO were among those identified attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels were reportedly forced to abort their journey and return. According to Kpler analysts, this marked the first significant attempt by large commercial vessels to navigate the strait since the conflict intensified. Also, two other vessels have remained stranded in the Gulf for nearly a month due to the volatile security situation.
Contradiction with US Presidential Statements
The IRGC's announcement directly contradicts claims made by US President Donald Trump on March 26. The President had suggested that Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the strait as a 'gift,' indicating a potential willingness to de-escalate the conflict through ongoing negotiations. However, the IRGC dismissed these claims as false, asserting that their policy remains one of strict denial of access to the designated nations. The military's actions on the ground appear to signal a continuation of the blockade despite diplomatic rhetoric.