IRGC Says 35 Vessels Obtained “Permits”; Gulf States + IMO Reject
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said on Friday that 35 vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz after obtaining Iranian “permits” and “security”. the “security” as “effectively protection from attacks by Iranian forces, which is the only force that has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz since February 2026”. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the International Maritime Organization have all formally rejected Iran’s claim that the strait is in its territorial waters. “The war cannot end in a way that secures US and allied interests until Iran abandons its effort to control the strait.”
“Recognition or compliance with Iranian transit rules would allow the regime to achieve de facto control over the strait. Iran’s promise not to attack vessels would not secure freedom of navigation if the regime requires ships to obtain permits, pay fees, or coordinate with IRGC Navy forces.” Iranian Ambassador to France Mohammad Amin Nejad said on 21 May that Iran and Oman are discussing a permanent toll system to formalise control. ISW separately assesses that “Iranian leaders are positioning Iran to emerge from the war in a stronger strategic position, with veto power over access to the strait. Iran is therefore not aiming to just ‘survive’ the war.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday an Iranian toll system would be “completely illegal” and would “make a diplomatic deal unfeasible”.