WANA (Jul 09) – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has issued a statement saying it has established control over the Strait of Hormuz, restored its security over the past two weeks, and gradually reopened the strategic waterway.

 

The statement said vessel traffic through the strait has reached approximately 50% of pre-war levels and that efforts are underway to further increase capacity for ships that comply with security regulations and obtain authorization from the IRGC Navy to transit through routes designated by the Islamic Republic.

 

The IRGC Navy praised what it described as the “historic” funeral procession for the late leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and Iraq, saying the turnout demonstrated that “the era of great-power coercion is ending and this century belongs to the will of nations.”

 

The statement also commended Iranian forces for what it called a “decisive response” to recent U.S. military attacks, saying the outcome of conflict is determined by “the power of faith, not the quantity of weapons.”

 

The IRGC Navy reiterated that “foreign powers have no place in this land or in the Strait of Hormuz,” warning that any attempt by the U.S. military to interfere in determining navigation routes would be met with a “decisive response.”

 

It added that such actions would seriously disrupt the gradual reopening of the strait and endanger the interests of countries that rely on the Strait of Hormuz for maritime trade.