World
IRGC says Strait of Hormuz has effectively expanded into a 500 km-wide operational zone, redefining the waterway's scale..
Published On Tue, 12 May 2026
Shruti Iyer
6 Views
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) has stated that the Strait of Hormuz has been “significantly expanded,” now treating it as a wide strategic maritime corridor stretching from Jask and Sirik to areas beyond Qeshm Island and Greater Tunb Island. According to IRGC Navy political deputy Mohammad Akbarzadeh, Iran has redefined how it views the boundaries of this key waterway. He said the earlier perception of the strait as a narrow zone around islands like Hormuz and Hengam is no longer valid under Iran’s current naval approach.
He explained that the operational area has expanded from a traditional width of about 20–30 miles to roughly 200–300 miles (around 500 km), forming what he described as a “crescent-shaped” zone extending across a much larger maritime region. Akbarzadeh further said the Strait of Hormuz is now considered a broad operational theatre under Iranian oversight, stretching between key coastal and island points, rather than a confined passage.
Reaffirming Iran’s stance, he added that the country is closely monitoring regional maritime activity and will not tolerate any infringement on its waters or interests. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity “at all costs,” including through military readiness. The IRGC also indicated that it will regulate shipping routes through the strait, allowing only designated corridors and warning of strict action against vessels that deviate from approved paths.
These declarations come amid heightened regional tensions, which Iranian officials link to recent conflicts involving the US and Israel. Iran has also imposed tighter controls on vessels it considers hostile, citing retaliatory measures against what it describes as restrictive actions on its maritime trade.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
