IRGC Claims Full Control of Hormuz and Warns Southern Route Is Mined

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy claimed Wednesday that it had full control of the Strait of Hormuz and warned shipping companies against alternative passages. Its spokesman said the southern corridor near Oman was mined and that using routes outside Tehran's designations could bring severe consequences. The latest warning repeats the force's demand that vessels coordinate with the IRGC and follows its claims that ships using the southern route were hit or forced back. Tehran has insisted that only its northern corridor is authorized while Oman has designated the southern passage for foreign vessel traffic.