The Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz will be guaranteed following the suspension of United States military operations in the waterway.
The IRGC stated on Wednesday that new procedures are being implemented as US threats subside, though specific details of these measures were not disclosed.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the IRGC expressed gratitude to ship owners and captains for adhering to Iranian regulations during transit.
This development follows US president Donald Trump’s decision on Tuesday to halt “Project Freedom”, a military operation designed to guide stranded vessels through the strait.
President Trump cited “great progress” in negotiations with Tehran and noted that the pause was requested by Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who is acting as a mediator.
Despite the suspension of “Project Freedom”, President Trump clarified that the US naval blockade remains in effect.
Writing on Truth Social on Wednesday, he stated that the conflict, which he termed the “already legendary Epic Fury”, could conclude if Iran honours previous agreements.
He warned that failure to agree would result in a resumption of bombing at a “much higher level and intensity than it was before”.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed that Tehran is reviewing a US proposal and will respond via Pakistani mediators.
Regional tensions have remained high since the conflict began on 28 February, following a war launched by the US and Israel.
Iran responded by blocking the strait, laying sea mines, and charging transit fees. On Tuesday, Tehran established the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” to regulate both military and commercial passage.
Analysts, including Resul Serdar Atas, suggest this move is intended to permanently alter the status of the waterway rather than serving as a temporary maritime regime.
The ongoing instability was highlighted on Tuesday when the San Antonio, a vessel owned by the French shipping group CMA CGM, was attacked.
The incident resulted in crew injuries and damage to the ship, although French government spokesperson Maud Bregeon stated that France was not a specific target.
CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container line, reported that 14 of its vessels were initially stranded in the Gulf at the start of the war.
The disruption has had a profound global impact, bringing approximately 20 per cent of the world’s oil trade to a virtual standstill.
According to Goldman Sachs, member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are losing an estimated $700 million daily due to the inability to export oil.
Additionally, the conflict has driven up fuel costs, forcing airlines to increase fares and cut millions of seats.
Prime minister Sharif remarked on Wednesday that the US pause would go “a long way” towards advancing regional peace and reconciliation during this sensitive period.
