Iranian media quoted the Revolutionary Guard's statement on the 5th: "We have previously stated that, based on international law and resolutions, Iran Islamic Republic has the right to control the passage through the Strait of Hormuz during wartime."

"If ships belonging to the United States, Israel, Europe, and their supporters are observed... they will definitely be attacked."

The Revolutionary Guard's statement regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on ships from specific countries marks a shift in the conflict from mere military confrontation to a direct confrontation over global energy lifelines, against the backdrop of the US and Israel launching military strikes against Iran. This is not just a military statement, but also a highly intimidating political and economic weapon.

This statement contains three progressive layers with strict logic:

Legal Pretext: Citing "international law and resolutions," it attempts to legitimize the act of controlling the strait during wartime, shaping an image of the "victim exercising self-defense."

Establishing a Prohibited Zone: Clearly prohibiting passage for ships of the United States, Israel, Europe, and their supporters. This expands the scope of the strike, drawing Europe into the game.

Clarifying Consequences: Issuing a direct military threat - "they will definitely be attacked." Combined with the Revolutionary Guard's announcement that morning of hitting an American oil tanker, it shows that the warning has already been fulfilled.

Blocking the Strait of Hormuz is an asymmetric response by Iran. Faced with the destruction of its warships by the US military, Iran knows that its conventional navy cannot match the US military. Blocking the strait is a typical asymmetric warfare, using geographical advantages to strike the economic lifelines of the US and its allies.

The aim is to create significant risks, including cutting off Gulf shipping from multiple perspectives such as finance and insurance. In fact, the war risk cancellation order from the Global Association of P&I Clubs has taken effect, and the number of vessels passing through has dropped by 81%.

In response to Iran's blockade, the US Navy said it is prepared to provide escort, while Iran established an 800-nautical-mile safety zone to prohibit US ships from approaching. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that Iran may "specifically permit" Chinese ships to pass, indicating a differentiated strategy.

This is Iran's "oil weapon" card in the face of unfavorable conditions on the front lines. The move aims to apply extreme pressure on the US and its allies by striking the global economy and energy market, forcing them back to the negotiating table or to stop the attack.

Notably, the Revolutionary Guard's latest statement says: The Strait of Hormuz is closed only to ships from Western countries such as the United States, Israel, and Europe. Please note, "only" for designated countries, whether non-designated countries are subject to this ban is not further explained. However, more and more information suggests that China may not be subject to this ban.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858828396070988/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.