IRGC Advisor Says Illegal Routes in Strait of Hormuz Will Be Blocked Soon

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, an advisor to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic's armed forces maintain "full control" over the Strait of Hormuz and that this situation will persist until Iran's demands are met. He acknowledged that some individuals use small vessels to smuggle oil and transfer it to tankers, but stressed that the volume of oil smuggled through such illegal routes is negligible and cannot be taken as evidence that the Strait of Hormuz is open. He added that Iranian authorities will address the issue, saying, "Soon, a small number of routes, created by violators through blasting and destroying some existing rocky passages in the Strait of Hormuz, will be blocked."

Gen. Naqdi's remarks come amid claims that Persian Gulf oil exports are returning to pre-war levels. Following the recent US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran, launched on February 28, the Iranian armed forces have seized operational control of the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the vital waterway has sent shockwaves through the global economy, severely affecting Western energy supplies and exposing vulnerabilities in the US military's logistical networks in the region. Tehran has repeatedly maintained that any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or resumption of normal maritime traffic is strictly contingent upon Washington ceasing its military aggression, lifting its illegal naval blockade, and formally recognizing Iran's sovereign rights and strategic red lines.

Gen. Naqdi also stressed that the range of Iran's weaponry is not limited by technical constraints, but is instead determined by the country's strategic needs and decisions made by its officials and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. He said Iran has the technological capability to develop weapons with longer ranges, but their range is set in accordance with the country's requirements. "Whenever the officials and the Leader of the Revolution grant us authorization, we will increase the range of our weapons in accordance with the needs of the battlefield," the commander stated. Highlighting that Iran produces its weapons domestically, Gen. Naqdi reiterated that the country can increase the range and power of its weaponry whenever required by battlefield needs.

According to Mehr News, the IRGC advisor's comments underscore Iran's continued emphasis on its control over the Strait of Hormuz and its readiness to adjust its military capabilities based on strategic directives.