- IRGC Navy official says 30 vessels have been allowed through the Strait of Hormuz since last night, indicating a partial easing of restrictions.
- The move follows days of heightened tensions and warnings from Iran about controlling access to the strategic waterway.
- Market observers are closely watching for sustained traffic flows, as any prolonged disruption could impact global oil and LNG prices.
An IRGC Navy official stated on Thursday that 30 ships have been permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the previous night, according to state media. The announcement suggests a measured relaxation of recent constraints imposed by Iranian forces, which had raised concerns about the security of the world’s most critical oil chokepoint.
“Since last night, 30 vessels have coordinated and received permission to pass through the strait,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He added that all ships must now coordinate with the IRGC Navy before transiting, warning that any vessel failing to do so would face a “firm response.”
The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of the global oil supply, and any perceived risk of disruption tends to inflate shipping insurance costs and crude prices. While actual traffic data from marine tracking services has shown fluctuations, the IRGC’s statements have kept traders on edge.
Earlier this week, Iranian officials had signaled tighter control over the waterway amid escalating tensions with the United States and its allies. The latest figures suggest a partial normalization, though the requirement for prior coordination remains in place.
Attempts to reach the United States Fifth Fleet for comment were not immediately successful. The IRGC’s announcement comes as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions continue behind the scenes.
Clarification: This article has been updated to reflect that the IRGC official cited was speaking anonymously.