The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that at least 35 merchant vessels, including container ships and oil tankers, traversed the Strait of Hormuz within the past day.
Officials from the IRGC indicated on Friday that the vital shipping lane stays operational, with the Iranian Navy overseeing security and logistical coordination.
This development aligns with Tehran’s ongoing efforts to implement a toll collection framework within the strait, a move the United States government has formally rejected.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the initiative as illegal, warning that such actions pose a global threat and would effectively derail potential diplomatic progress.
Despite international opposition, Iran continues to advance its plans.
Reports suggest that the state has already established military checkpoints, initiated vessel vetting procedures, and begun collecting security fees for transit.
Furthermore, the administration has launched a Persian Gulf Strait Authority, designating a self-regulated maritime zone that it intends to manage directly.
