Revolutionary Guards finalize new maritime order as Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are finalizing a new regulatory order for the Strait of Hormuz, warning that maritime conditions will never return to the status quo.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 6, 2026, 3:33 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

A Permanent Shift in Persian Gulf Maritime Policy

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces confirmed on Monday that they are finalizing a "declared plan" for a new operational order within the Persian Gulf. In a public statement, the elite military branch asserted that maritime conditions in the Strait of Hormuz will never return to their previous status, specifically targeting the United States and Israel with new restrictions. This announcement signals a strategic shift from temporary wartime measures to a permanent regulatory overhaul of one of the world's most sensitive shipping lanes.

Escalating Rhetoric from Washington

The IRGC's declaration follows a significant escalation in rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump. The President recently renewed his administration's threats to conduct strikes against Iranian domestic infrastructure, specifically citing power plants and bridges as potential targets. The U.S. position remains centered on the unconditional reopening of the waterway, which has been largely paralyzed since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, causing severe disruptions to the global energy market.

Economic Leverage and Proposed Maritime Tolls

As the conflict persists, Iranian lawmakers have begun exploring legislative avenues to monetize their control over the strait. Proposals introduced in recent weeks suggest the implementation of tolls and taxes on all commercial vessels navigating the waterway. These measures appear designed to leverage Iran's geographic position to offset the economic impact of the war, transforming the strait from a free transit zone into a regulated and taxed corridor under Tehran’s direct oversight.