“Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is fully controlled by the Islamic Republic Navy,” an Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander announced.
The narrow strait is the transit point for large quantities of oil and gas from countries surrounding the Persian Gulf. Iran has attacked several commercial ships in the area, and the country's Revolutionary Guard has warned it will set passing ships on fire.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered the country's services - American insurance and military escort - to shipping companies willing to pay a "reasonable price".
French President Emmanuel Macron has also initiated a coalition to secure shipping traffic.
