Iranian Navy: Ships still need permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian navy informed ships anchored near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday morning local time that passage through the strait still requires Iranian permission. An audio recording shared by a crew member shows: “All ships must obtain permission from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy to pass through the strait. Any ship attempting to pass without permission will be destroyed.” This message was broadcast to ships via radio. President Trump stated that he has agreed to a two-week suspension of strikes against Iran, provided the strait can be reopened “fully, immediately, and safely.” The Iranian government has signaled its intention to continue exerting influence over the waterway. According to photos and videos shared by the crew, warplanes are still circling over the Persian Gulf. Most ships remain anchored. (Wall Street Journal)