CRITICALMILITARYVERIFIED

IRGC formally declares Hormuz closed, vows 'harsh measures' — 3 ships turned back

2026-03-27 · 09:00 UTC·Strait of Hormuz

The IRGC stated via state media that shipping 'to and from ports of allies and supporters of the Israeli-American enemies' is prohibited, and that 'the Strait of Hormuz is closed.' The IRGC Navy warned any transit will face 'harsh measures.' Three container ships of various nationalities were turned back after IRGC warnings. This is the IRGC's most explicit formal closure declaration of the conflict, elevating from interdiction to official prohibition.

Iran's IRGC issued via state media on 27 March 2026 the most explicit Hormuz closure declaration of the conflict: 'Shipping to and from ports of allies and supporters of the Israeli-American enemies is prohibited through any corridor or to any destination.' The IRGC added: 'The Strait of Hormuz is closed and any transit through the waterway will face harsh measures.' Three container ships of various nationalities were turned back from the Strait of Hormuz following IRGC Navy warnings. The formal closure declaration escalates beyond the de facto interdiction operations conducted since early March to an explicit legal/military prohibition. Approximately 21 million barrels of oil per day transit Hormuz in normal circumstances; the strait has been largely closed since IRGC operations began. The UAE, France, and 35 nations are preparing a multinational force to reopen the strait.

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Actor responses

IRGCOPPOSINGMILITARY

IRGC via state media: 'Shipping to and from ports of allies and supporters of the Israeli-American enemies is prohibited. The Strait of Hormuz is closed and any transit will face harsh measures.' Three ships turned back.

United StatesOPPOSINGMILITARY

The US has not responded to the IRGC's formal Hormuz closure declaration. The US has deployed GARC autonomous drone speedboats and is planning for a multinational Hormuz reopening force with UAE and 35 nations.

NATOOPPOSINGMILITARY

France is coordinating a 35-nation 'strictly defensive' Hormuz escort force. UAE has committed to participate. The IRGC's formal closure declaration adds urgency to the multinational planning.

Sources

T1Iran State Media / Times of Israel Liveblog9% reliability