Iran's Revolutionary Guards: 26 Ships Cleared to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz in 24 Hours

(CNA, Tehran, May 20, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards navy stated today that over the past 24 hours, they have allowed 26 vessels, including oil tankers, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. According to AFP, Iran had largely blockaded this globally vital energy transport route since a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Iran has remained under a US Navy blockade since April 13. Iran insists that any vessel passing through the waterway must obtain permission from the Iranian armed forces. The Revolutionary Guards navy posted on the social platform X, stating, 'In the past 24 hours, a total of 26 ships, including oil tankers, container ships, and other commercial vessels, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz.' The post added that these vessels passed after 'coordination with and provision of security by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.' South Korea announced today that a South Korean oil tanker has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first time a South Korean-flagged vessel has passed through the waterway since the Middle East war. On May 18, Iran officially announced the establishment of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a new body dedicated to managing traffic in the waterway. Last week, Iran had stated that 'more than 30 ships,' including some Chinese vessels, had been granted passage.