Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it has issued permits for vessels and required ships to follow designated routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
This move represents a significant escalation in Iran's efforts to assert full authority over one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. By mandating specific routes and permits, the IRGC is challenging international shipping norms and increasing its leverage over global energy markets.
According to reports from May 13, 2026, the IRGC said 28 vessels [1] passed through the waterway during a 24-hour period under these new permit requirements. The organization said that this oversight is necessary to protect its interests and maintain order in the region.
The IRGC blamed U.S. military actions for the current state of insecurity in the waterway. The organization said that the presence and activities of the U.S. military have created the instability that now necessitates IRGC intervention.
Financial reports regarding the ongoing conflict indicate the estimated cost of the U.S. war against Iran has reached $29 billion [2]. This figure underscores the scale of the military engagement and the economic burden of the confrontation.
The IRGC warned that all ships must strictly adhere to the routes it designates to avoid complications. The group said it will continue to exercise authority over the Strait of Hormuz to ensure regional security against foreign interference.
“The IRGC announced that it had issued permits for vessels and required all ships to follow IRGC‑designated routes.”
The IRGC's imposition of permits and designated routes transforms the Strait of Hormuz from an international waterway into a regulated zone under Iranian control. This creates a precarious environment for global trade, as commercial shipping now depends on the approval of a military entity that is in direct conflict with the U.S. The $29 billion cost of the U.S. war further highlights the high stakes of a potential miscalculation in these narrow waters.
