America News Agency

According to CCTV, the Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it has raised its military readiness level in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming full control over the strategic waterway.

In a statement shared on social media, the IRGC warned that any U.S. warships attempting to re-enter the Persian Gulf or interfere with Iranian vessels would become targets.

The statement said that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only possible via routes designated and announced by the IRGC Navy, adding that navigation outside those routes is not considered safe.

Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency also cited an informed source claiming that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

The report stated that vessels sailing outside the designated safe corridors could face a serious risk of accidents.

Tensions in the region escalated after the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes against Iran on February 28.

Following those developments, Tehran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. military announced last month that it had carried out multiple airstrikes against Iranian targets.

Washington said the operations were intended to prevent Iranian threats to commercial maritime shipping.

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases and facilities in the region.