Iran has escalated control over the Strait of Hormuz to its highest level, declaring the area effectively closed and establishing a “no-go zone” for maritime traffic.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any vessel approaching the strait without complying with its directives will be treated as “cooperating with the enemy” and may be targeted.

Under the new rules, all commercial ships and oil tankers must follow instructions exclusively from Iran’s naval control authorities, with an explicit ban on taking guidance from foreign forces particularly U.S. and allied maritime security operations.

The announcement follows a series of confrontations over the past 24 hours, including warning fire incidents against large oil tankers attempting to pass through the strategic waterway.

The move effectively transforms the Strait of Hormuz into a tightly controlled military zone, sharply raising the risk for any vessel operating in the area.