Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC) announced on May 12, 2026, that it now defines the Strait of Hormuz as a "vast operational area" expanded from the traditional 20-30 mile width to 200-300 miles. Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political director of the IRGC Navy, stated in remarks to the Fars News Agency that the strait is no longer viewed as a limited area around islands such as Hormuz and Hengam, but has been greatly enlarged in scope and military significance.
Under the new definition, the Strait of Hormuz now describes a far broader strategic zone stretching from the port of Jask on the Gulf of Oman in the east to Siri Island in the Persian Gulf in the west. IRGC Navy officials said the width of this newly claimed area has ballooned from the previously recognized 20-30 nautical miles to between 200 and 300 nautical miles, forming what they describe as "a complete crescent". This is the second expansion Iran has announced since the start of its conflict with the U.S. and Israel.
The Strait of Hormuz is the lifeline of global energy flows. Under normal conditions, roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass through it. It serves as the primary export gateway for Gulf producers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Qatar. The new definition comes as tensions between Iran and the U.S. grow over the continued disruption of shipping.
Qatar's Prime Minister condemned the move, warning that Iran must not instrumentalize the Strait to pressure Gulf petro-monarchies. Türkiye also voiced opposition, stressing the need to preserve freedom of navigation and regional stability. While the IRGC's operational zone declaration carries no enforceable legal basis under international maritime law, the practical enforcement capacity of the IRGC, including mine-laying, vessel boarding, and armed patrol operations, means the de facto risk environment for commercial shipping has materially deteriorated regardless of legal standing.
Note: This summary draws on SupplyChainBrain's publicly visible headline + subhead + opening paragraph and on sector background on Strait of Hormuz security.
Key Takeaways:
1. Iran's IRGC Navy expanded operational width of Strait of Hormuz from 20-30 miles to 200-300 miles
2. New definition stretches in a "complete crescent" from Jask port in the east to Siri Island in the west
3. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and LNG shipments normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz
4. This is the second zone expansion Iran announced since the start of its conflict with the U.S. and Israel
5. Qatar and Türkiye voiced concerns over freedom of navigation and regional stability
