The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy Command issued a statement today: "The Strait of Hormuz will never return to normal—especially for the United States and Israel. The IRGC Navy is preparing for a new order in the Persian Gulf."
This declaration by the IRGC Navy comes against the backdrop of over a month of escalating military tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Far from being a mere threat, it constitutes a comprehensive statement combining tactical confrontation with long-term strategic intent.
This statement conveys several key layers of information:
Direct rejection of demands: A clear refusal of Trump’s ultimatum demanding Iran unconditionally open the strait within 48 hours.
Permanent alteration of the status quo: The assertion that “it will never go back to the previous situation” indicates that the security framework of the strait has been fundamentally rewritten—past rules allowing relatively free passage will no longer apply.
Establishing new rules independently: “Preparing for a new order in the Persian Gulf” signals Iran’s ambition to become the rule-maker; future passage will be governed by Iran’s unilateral standards.
Differential blockade targeting the U.S. and Israel: The explicit mention of the U.S. and Israel confirms that Iran is already implementing precise blockades, threatening, attacking, or banning vessels from “adversary states.”
To build this “new order,” Iran is simultaneously advancing several concrete measures aimed at fully “Iranizing” control over strait passage.
Implementing tiered passage and “toll stations”: A five-tiered fee system based on “friendliness level” has been established—for example, the base toll for oil tankers is approximately $1 per barrel. Ship data must be reviewed by the Revolutionary Guard prior to passage, and priority lanes have been designated for “friendly nations” such as China, Russia, and Pakistan.
Soliciting legitimacy through “joint oversight”: Iran is currently drafting a post-conflict agreement with Oman to jointly supervise the strait, aiming to lend legitimacy to its new order.
In summary, this statement marks Iran’s transition from merely threatening to blockade the strait toward actually establishing a new maritime order in the Persian Gulf that aligns with its national interests. Regardless of how this conflict ultimately concludes, the operational rules governing the Strait of Hormuz may be permanently altered.
The U.S. and Israel could find themselves in an increasingly awkward position regarding control of the strait.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861668846859264/
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