Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps reported Thursday that 35 oil tankers, container ships and commercial vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours under the coordination and escort of its naval forces.
Most of the ships were linked to Southeast Asian countries that maintain friendly relations with Iran, the IRGC said in a statement published by Sepah News, its official news outlet.
The IRGC Navy said its forces cleared a safe passage corridor through the strait despite what it called “unprecedented insecurity” created by U.S. military activity in regional waters.
A day earlier, the IRGC put the number at 26 vessels. The military branch has repeatedly stated that all ships transiting the waterway must first obtain approval from its naval forces.
Iran moved to restrict passage through the strait on Feb. 28, blocking vessels affiliated with Israel or the United States. Iranian officials said the move came in response to joint strikes on Iranian territory.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which Iran designates as the managing body for the waterway, also requires vessels to secure PGSA authorization before transiting the strait.
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