IRGC Navy Chief Challenges US Control of Hormuz Strait

Rear Admiral Ali Ozmaei, the Navy chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, rejected United States claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz during a televised interview on October 14, 2026. Ozmaei asserted that Iran maintains smart control over the strategic waterway and requires vessels to obtain authorization for transit.

Ozmaei characterized the U.S. military presence in the region as ineffective, claiming that American aircraft carriers are too vulnerable to approach the strait. He further alleged that U.S. forces have effectively become fuel smugglers and challenged American warships to enter the Persian Gulf rather than remaining at the entrance to the strait.

According to Ozmaei, the IRGC Navy controls the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, while the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Navy manages the Sea of Oman. He warned that Iran would continue taking firm action against vessels that violate maritime restrictions and argued that regional security can be established through cooperation with neighbors without American involvement.