Iran Allows More Ships to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz After Blocking Waterway
Following US-Israeli strikes and imposition of blockades, Iran's Revolutionary Guards allow increased shipping through strategic strait.
May 15, 2026: Tehran, Iran - The naval forces of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have started allowing more ships to pass through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz after blocking access following recent US-Israeli strikes.
According to state television, this decision indicates that numerous countries have accepted new legal protocols established by Iran and the IRGC naval forces in the region and specifically within the Strait of Hormuz.
Since February 28, Iran has largely blocked shipping through the strait as a countermeasure to ongoing tensions.
In response, the United States imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports, aiming to pressure Tehran into negotiations.
State TV reported from Bandar Abbas that coordination between IRGC naval forces and vessels seeking passage has resumed, allowing more ships to navigate this crucial trade route.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, representing about 20% of these commodities in peacetime.
The recent tense situation involving blockades by both Iran and the US has caused significant volatility in global markets, even as a fragile ceasefire remains in place since April 8.
This ongoing dispute over control of the strait is among key unresolved issues in negotiations between Iran and the US.
The Iranian parliament has been considering proposals to exert tighter control over the Strait of Hormuz, including the imposition of tolls on ships passing through.
Last month, Hamidreza Hajjibabaei, an Iranian deputy speaker of parliament, confirmed that Tehran had started receiving revenues from these imposed tolls.
This development highlights the ongoing complex and tense relationship between Iran and Western powers regarding control over strategic shipping routes.
According to state television, this decision indicates that numerous countries have accepted new legal protocols established by Iran and the IRGC naval forces in the region and specifically within the Strait of Hormuz.
Since February 28, Iran has largely blocked shipping through the strait as a countermeasure to ongoing tensions.
In response, the United States imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports, aiming to pressure Tehran into negotiations.
State TV reported from Bandar Abbas that coordination between IRGC naval forces and vessels seeking passage has resumed, allowing more ships to navigate this crucial trade route.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, representing about 20% of these commodities in peacetime.
The recent tense situation involving blockades by both Iran and the US has caused significant volatility in global markets, even as a fragile ceasefire remains in place since April 8.
This ongoing dispute over control of the strait is among key unresolved issues in negotiations between Iran and the US.
The Iranian parliament has been considering proposals to exert tighter control over the Strait of Hormuz, including the imposition of tolls on ships passing through.
Last month, Hamidreza Hajjibabaei, an Iranian deputy speaker of parliament, confirmed that Tehran had started receiving revenues from these imposed tolls.
This development highlights the ongoing complex and tense relationship between Iran and Western powers regarding control over strategic shipping routes.
