IRGC Commander Declares Unauthorized Hormuz Vessels Legitimate Targets

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Ahmad Vahidi warned that any vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz without authorization will be considered a legitimate target. The statement escalates military threats against the critical waterway, which handles roughly 20% of global oil shipments.

The hardline posture under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei overrides more moderate civilian approaches, signaling tighter IRGC control. The move directly challenges ongoing U.S. blockade policies in the region.

Prediction markets reflect growing tensions: the probability of the U.S. lifting its Hormuz blockade by May 31 dropped to 27.5%, down from 60% a week ago. Similarly, the likelihood of Strait of Hormuz traffic normalization decreased.