Iran: Iran's IRGC Navy says 26 ships pass through Hormuz Strait in past 24 hours.

Shotlist FILE: Strait of Hormuz - Date Unknown 1. Various of ships sailing in Strait of Hormuz FILE: Strait of Hormuz - 2011 2. Beach, seaside plants 3. Boats sailing through Strait of Hormuz Tehran, Iran - Recent 4. Various of traffic, Iranian national flags 5. Various of pedestrians FILE: Washington D.C., USA - Oct 2024 6. Various of White House Storyline The Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that 26 vessels, including oil tankers, container and commercial ships, passed through the Strait of Hormuz within the past 24 hours in coordination with its forces. In a statement published on the IRGC's official news outlet, Sepah News, the Navy noted that it ensured the security of the passing vessels. The statement said that the vessels' passage through the waterway was coordinated and permitted by the IRGC's naval forces. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday that Iran is working with Oman to develop a security mechanism aimed at ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz since Feb 28, barring passage for vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following the two countries' joint strikes on its territory. The United States has also imposed a naval blockade on the strait, banning navigation of ships in and out of Iranian ports through the waterway. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Wednesday confirmed to extend its maritime blockade against Iranian ports. A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter conducted patrols in regional waters and monitored a commercial vessel during the day, it said. CENTCOM also reported that personnel from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded and searched an Iranian-flagged commercial oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman before directing the vessel to alter course. U.S. officials stated the tanker was suspected of attempting to sail toward an Iranian port in violation of the U.S. blockade. Since the blockade was implemented on April 13, the U.S. has forced 91 vessels to alter course. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya/Persian language TV Stations outside Iran. Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International/Radio Farda]