Iran's IRGC Navy has officially declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, citing the US failure to lift its naval blockade.
A senior Iranian security official, Ebrahim Azizi, publicly taunted the US over the closure, stating "We warned you... Now ENJOY the Strait of Hormuz returning to the status quo."
Iranian media reports the IRGC Navy has instructed vessels to remain at anchorage in the Gulf, warning that any approach toward the Strait of Hormuz will be treated as cooperation with the enemy.
The IRGC Navy specified the closure began Saturday evening and will continue until the US naval blockade is completely lifted.
The IRGC explicitly linked the closure to the ongoing U.S. naval blockade and dismissed President Trump's statements, directing ships to follow only Iranian naval updates.
The IRGC explicitly linked the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz to the US maintaining its naval blockade, providing a clear condition for reopening.
The IRGC specified the closure would begin 'from this evening' and would last 'until the blockade is lifted,' providing a clearer timeline and condition.
The IRGC Navy has specified the blockade will begin on the evening of Saturday, April 19, 2026.
The IRGC has now explicitly stated the strait will remain closed until the U.S. lifts its blockade, framing the closure as a retaliatory measure.
The IRGC explicitly linked the closure to the U.S. blockade, stating it will last 'until the lifting of the US naval blockade.'
The IRGC provided additional context, stating the closure is due to the US not lifting its naval blockade despite Iran previously permitting non-military vessel passage through the 'Larak Corridor.'
Iran adds that it may impose new tariffs and controls on ships if negotiations are not fair, and that talks could resume in Islamabad next Monday.
The IRGC Navy provided additional context about yesterday's 'Larak Corridor' authorization and vessel passages, and specified that the closure is effective 'as of this evening' with explicit targeting warnings for approaching vessels.
The IRGC Navy provided additional context, stating that some ships had transited the Larak corridor yesterday following Iran's permission, but the closure was reinstated after the US failed to lift its blockade.
