Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on 9/3 that Arab and European nations would have "full rights and freedom" to pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they severed diplomatic relations with Israel and the US, and expelled the ambassadors of the two nations "attacking Iran."

No nation has yet commented on these conditions. Many European and Arab countries are close allies of the US.

A container ship navigates the Strait of Hormuz in 6/2025. *AFP*

The announcement comes amidst the ongoing Middle East conflict. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that Tehran has only one condition to cease hostilities: Washington and Tel Aviv "commit no further aggression." According to him, Russia, China, and France have contacted Iran to help de-escalate tensions and encourage conflict reduction.

Hundreds of ships are anchored, waiting at both ends of the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict. Oil and shipping markets are closely monitoring for any signs that transit operations could soon resume.

Nearly 20% of the world's oil supply passes through this maritime route, which is just about 34 km wide, making it an extremely important yet risky "chokepoint" for the global energy market. The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has driven oil prices higher as transit through the Strait of Hormuz is nearly paralyzed and Middle East oil production has declined.

General Ibrahim Jabbari, an advisor to the IRGC commander, stated on 3/3 that the force had closed the Strait of Hormuz and would attack any ship attempting passage. Two days later, a deputy commander of the IRGC said the strait was not blockaded and that vessels complying with international regulations could continue their normal journeys.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated that security in the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely to be guaranteed as long as the conflict instigated by the US and Israel continues.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. *Guardian*

Experts believe the IRGC has suffered significant losses since the conflict began, but has maintained the capability to launch attacks and close the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US currently lacks sufficient resources in the region to deploy a large-scale escort operation as President Donald Trump desired.

Huyen Le (According to CNN, Shafaq, Haberler)