07.03.2026 00:43
Different statements are coming regarding the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered the 'lifeline' of global energy trade from Iran. Iranian General Staff Spokesman Brigadier General Abulfazl Shekarchi stated about the Strait, which was previously announced to be 'closed to transit and that ships attempting to pass would be attacked', "We have not closed it and we will not close it." Shekarchi noted that any ship can pass through the Strait, saying, "We will only not allow two types of ships: those belonging to the American and Zionist regimes."
The spokesperson of the Iranian General Staff, Major General Ebulfazl Shikarci, made evaluations regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz during a program he attended on state television.
"WE HAVE NOT CLOSED AND WILL NOT CLOSE THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ" Shikarci stated that Iran does not target regional countries or their sovereignty, and that its operations are aimed at the US and Israel, saying, "We have not closed and will not close the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz belongs to the Muslim countries in the region and is a vital route for global trade, and we have always prioritized the security of this international waterway."
"THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS OPEN TO VESSELS NOT CONNECTED TO THE US-ISRAEL" The Iranian general continued: "Today, any vessel can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and we will not prevent the passage of ships, but we declare that the responsibility for the safety of their lives, equipment, and facilities lies with them, and we cannot guarantee safety in wartime conditions. We will not allow two types of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz: those connected to the American and Zionist regimes. If they attempt to pass, they will be hit. Only two flags are not allowed to pass: the American flag and the Zionist flag. Other countries can pass under any flag they wish."
Major General Ebulfazl Shikarci TRUMP'S ESCORT CLAIM: WE EXPECT THEIR PRESENCE Referring to US President Donald Trump's statement about sending escorts to US vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Shikarci said, "Iran welcomes the claims regarding the escorting of oil tankers and the presence of US forces for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and we expect their presence."
"US BASES HAVE TURNED TO RUBBLE" On the other hand, Shikarci reported that Iran targeted 14 US bases in the region during its counterattacks, claiming that these bases have turned to rubble and that the injured, especially in Bahrain, were evacuated by US air ambulances. Shikarci stated that Iran will continue to target US and Israeli forces without restrictions, warning that more advanced weapons will be used soon and that more details regarding the incident at a US base in Bahrain are expected to be announced tomorrow. The Iranian general said, "Our attacks against the United States and the Zionist regime will increase day by day. We will announce more surprises for the US and the Zionist regime."
THE "HORMUZ" PUZZLE IN IRAN Major General Ibrahim Jabbari, advisor to the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, had announced that they had closed the Strait of Hormuz to crossings and would attack vessels attempting to pass. Speaking on Iranian state television, Jabbari stated that they would not allow crossings through the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli attacks.
Major General Jabbari used the following statements: "The Strait of Hormuz is closed. We will attack and set fire to every vessel attempting to pass. (Vessels attempting to pass) will be burned by our heroes in the Naval and Ground Forces of the Revolutionary Guards. Do not come to this region. The price of oil has reached 82 dollars, and the world is definitely expecting it to reach at least 200 dollars. We will also attack oil pipelines and will not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region."
Since the attacks by the US and Israel began on February 28, it has been announced that 10 vessels have been hit.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ The Strait of Hormuz is considered the most critical and sensitive "jugular vein" of global energy security; approximately one-third of the oil transported by sea worldwide and a significant portion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through this narrow waterway. Located between Oman and Iran, this strait, which has a narrowest point of about 33 kilometers, is a difficult alternative that connects the major oil producers in the Persian Gulf to the open seas.
During periods of escalating regional tensions, even the possibility of closing the strait causes a wave of panic in global energy markets and a rapid rise in prices, making control and navigation security over Hormuz a geopolitical issue that directly affects not only the countries in the region but the entire world economy.