Iranian Official: We Will Close 'Illegal' Routes in the Strait of Hormuz Created by Violators through Explosions

Mohammad Reza Naqdi, an advisor to the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, stated that Tehran will close "illegal" routes in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that they were created after the destruction of some rocky paths. The semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim reported on Wednesday Naqdi's statement, where he said that those routes "which were established by violators through the explosion and destruction of some rocky paths in the Strait of Hormuz...

He added: "The Strait of Hormuz is closed, and the Iranian armed forces have complete control over it, and this situation will continue unless Iran's legitimate demands are met." He continued by saying: "The amount of smuggled oil is very small, and it cannot be said that the Strait of Hormuz is open for such activities; we will also address this issue."

The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran continues to affect the situation in the Gulf, specifically the rates of ship crossings in the vital Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the Strait of Hormuz is under American control and is open for ship movement under the protection of U.S. forces, which Iran denies.

Qatar announced on Tuesday that mediation efforts between the United States and Iran are still ongoing, as Doha continues to play the role of mediator between the two conflicting countries.