Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under “tight control” and in its previous state until the United States restores full freedom of navigation for ships traveling to and from Iran.
According to Al Jazeera, citing Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, the joint military command accused the United States of continuing what it described as “acts of piracy and maritime theft” under the guise of a blockade. It added that control of the strategic waterway has now returned to strict management by Iran’s armed forces.
Separately, the IRGC announced that it has dismantled several alleged spy “cells” linked to the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom. Reports carried by Fars News Agency stated that the cells were involved in espionage activities, network-building, and efforts to incite unrest inside Iran.
The operations reportedly took place in East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran provinces. Iranian authorities said more than 120 individuals allegedly affiliated with the US, UK, and Israel were arrested on suspicion of preparing conditions for a potential military attack. According to Tasnim News Agency, seven suspects in East Azerbaijan were accused of transmitting coordinates of sensitive sites, while 69 arrests were made in Mazandaran and 51 others—including three alleged espionage groups—were uncovered in Kerman.
Meanwhile, a convoy of oil tankers has been observed moving through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first significant maritime activity since the conflict involving the US and Israel began seven weeks ago. Tracking data showed several liquefied petroleum gas carriers, oil product tankers, and chemical vessels passing through Iranian waters near Larak Island, with additional ships following from the Gulf.
Earlier, Donald Trump said there was “some pretty good news” regarding Iran but did not provide further details. He also warned that fighting could resume if no peace agreement is reached by Wednesday.
Iran had reopened the strait following a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. However, Iranian officials rejected recent US claims. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who is also linked to Iran’s negotiation team with the US, said that all seven claims made by Trump were false.
