Iran's IRGC unveils map of new "area of control" in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday unveiled a map outlining a new "area of control" in the Strait of Hormuz. The map was published by the IRGC's Sepah News outlet, which warned that any vessel failing to comply with Guard naval directives would face "serious risks."

The zone extends from the southern Iranian coast near Kooh Mobarak to the UAE port city of Fujairah on the east, and westward to a line between Iran's Qeshm Island and the UAE emirate of Umm al-Quwain in the Persian Gulf.

IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi said the announcement did not represent a change in overall management of the waterway, Sepah News reported. Commercial vessels following transit protocols set by the Guard Navy and coordinating with Iranian authorities along designated routes would be allowed safe passage, he said.