Iran’s IRGC Navy Says 35 Commercial Ships Transited through Strait of Hormuz with Its Permission

According to Iranian state media reports carried by Tasnim News Agency and Fars News Agency, the IRGC Navy said all vessels crossing the strategic waterway did so “with the permission of and coordination with the IRGC Navy.”     The latest figure was higher than the 31 vessels Iran said crossed the strait a day earlier. Earlier this week, the IRGC reported that 26 ships had passed through the waterway under similar coordination procedures.     The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for crude oil, fuel and cargo trade. Any disruption or additional controls in the area can affect global oil markets, shipping operations and marine insurance costs.     Iran’s latest announcement comes as tensions with the United States continue over shipping access and security in the Gulf region.

Speaking at a NATO gathering in Helsingborg, Sweden, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of trying to create a “tolling system” for ships using the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio also claimed Tehran was trying to convince Oman to join the proposed mechanism.     Rubio said no country should accept such fees, adding that the strait is an international waterway where navigation should remain free.      A report by The New York Times said two Iranian officials confirmed that Tehran had discussed a plan with Oman to charge vessels passing through the strait, with Oman receiving part of the revenue.     According to the report, Oman was initially reluctant because of possible international criticism, but later reconsidered after reviewing the possible financial benefits.      The dispute has added to wider tensions between Washington and Tehran linked to sanctions, regional military activity and Iran’s nuclear programme.      US President Donald Trump said the United States had “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz through what he described as a highly effective blockade.     Trump said Washington opposed any transit fees in the waterway.      “We want it free, we don’t want tolls. It’s international; it’s an international waterway,” Trump said from the White House.

Trump also linked the maritime dispute to concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, which US officials believe may have been moved to underground facilities after earlier US-Israeli air strikes.     Reuters, citing two Iranian sources, reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei ordered that the country’s enriched uranium stockpile “should not leave the country,” rejecting a key US demand in negotiations.