Iran’s ‘full control’ over the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important waterways for energy trade, is now under their ‘full control’. The announcement was made by IRGC Navy officer Mohammad Akbarzadeh in a statement published by Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency on Tuesday (March 3).
He warned that any ship currently passing through the waterway is at high risk of missile or drone attacks. In the statement, Akbarzadeh made it clear that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully under the control of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Navy. The announcement comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East are at their peak. The previous day, US President Donald Trump said that the US Navy was ready to escort oil tankers passing through the vital waterway for protection.
Meanwhile, as the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, the United States has issued new guidelines for its non-essential diplomatic staff. Washington has allowed non-essential embassy officials and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, Oman and Cyprus.
There have also been reports of US talks with Kurdish leaders about a possible military operation against Iran. The threat of closing the Strait of Hormuz has thrown global energy supplies and international maritime security into serious uncertainty.

Source: Times of Israel.