Strait of Hormuz under 24-hour surveillance

TABNAK, Feb. 17 - The commander of the naval force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has informed about the round-the-clock surveillance by the IRGC intelligence unit over the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil transit route linking the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.

News ID: 7174

Date: 17 February 2026 - 10:38

Speaking on Monday, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri referred to the ongoing maneuver dubbed "Defensive Strength and Offensive Operations from the Persian Gulf Islands," calling the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz "invincible fortresses" and "national honor" for Iranians.

He said the exercises, involving new tactic and equipment, are part of the annual program to prepare for the security of this strategic region, adding that responsibility for defending the islands and securing the strategic waterway lies with the IRGC Navy.

Rear Admiral Tangsiri continued by saying that the rapid and decisive response of the IRGC operational units to maritime insecurity plots is at the center of the drills that safeguard the interests of countries navigating through the strait.

According to him, the IRGC's surveillance is strategic in ensuring the security of passage, and therefore, the navy's oversight of the Strait of Hormuz but is comprehensive, covering surface, aerial and subsurface movements, Irna reported.

Underscoring the critical role the Strait of Hormuz plays in regional and global trade, the navy commander noted that more than 80 oil tankers and commercial ships pass through the strait every day and the IRGC surveillance is aimed at ensuring secure passage for non-hostile countries whose economic interests are linked to this waterway.