Iran Guards say preparing plan for new order in Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards are preparing to enforce new operating conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting it will 'never return to its former status' for the US and Israel.
In March 2026, Iran's Revolutionary Guards made a significant declaration regarding the Strait of Hormuz, announcing that the strategic waterway was now 'closed' and threatening to attack any vessel attempting to transit through it. On March 2, 2026, a Guards commander explicitly stated they would set any ship 'ablaze' if it tried to pass, marking their most explicit warning yet against transit through this critical maritime chokepoint that carries approximately 20% of global oil shipments. This announcement was reported by Reuters and represented a formalization of Iran's control over the strait.
Following this declaration, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei reaffirmed Iran's commitment to disrupt international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz on March 12, 2026, stating that Iran 'must continue' to block the waterway. The Revolutionary Guards have reportedly imposed a de facto 'toll booth' regime in the strait, formalizing control through measures like vessel inspections and fees. Shipping intelligence firm Lloyd's List Intelligence reported that the IRGC has established practical dominance by boarding ships, demanding payments, and restricting passage, effectively creating a formalized chokehold on this critical global oil transit route.
The situation prompted international diplomatic responses, particularly from the Philippines which relies heavily on Middle East crude oil. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered direct talks with Iran to secure 'neutral passage' for Philippine oil tankers amid the Hormuz risks. This followed a national energy emergency order due to rising fuel costs and approximately 20,000 stranded Filipino seafarers west of the strait. The Philippines sought 'non-hostile' status for secure passage through diplomatic channels.
In early April 2026, Iran provided assurances to the Philippines regarding safe passage. The Department of Foreign Affairs announced that Iran would allow 'safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage' for Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz. This assurance came after talks between DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The arrangement emphasized coordination for 'non-hostile' countries, potentially involving tolls or restrictions on the strait while ensuring safe passage for Philippine interests.
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