Full Breakdown
Iran Redefines Strait of Hormuz as Vast Operational Zone
5/13/2026, 12:00:30 AM
Redefinition of the Strait of Hormuz
On May 12, 2026, Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political director of the IRGC Navy, announced that Iran now defines the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic zone stretching from Jask in the east to Siri Island in the west. The definition expands the area from a narrow corridor around a few islands to a ‘vast operational area’ forming a ‘complete crescent.’ The IRGC says the zone’s width has grown from roughly 20-30 miles (32-48 km) to 200-300 miles (321-482 km). The strait carries about one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments.
Background and Recent Developments
Historically the strait was described as a limited maritime space around Hormuz and Hengam islands. The new definition follows Iran’s conflict with the United States and Israel. On May 4, the IRGC Navy released a map showing a control zone along the UAE’s Gulf of Oman coast, from Mount Mobarak and Fujairah in the east to Qeshm Island and Umm al-Quwain in the west. The May 12 announcement widens that earlier zone.
Key Figure: Mohammad Akbarzadeh and the IRGC Navy
Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political director of the IRGC Navy, articulates the Corps’ maritime strategy and conveys policy shifts to state-affiliated outlets such as Fars and Tasnim. The IRGC Navy, the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, announced the redefinition.
Data and Scale of the New Zone
The strait transports roughly 20 % of world oil and LNG. Iran now defines the operational zone from Jask to Siri Island, expanding its width from about 20-30 miles (32-48 km) to 200-300 miles (321-482 km) and describing it as a ‘complete crescent.’
Official Statements and Agency Reports
Iranian state media reported that the IRGC Navy’s redefinition reflects a shift in strategic thinking, emphasizing the strait’s heightened military significance. Fars quoted Akbarzadeh’s explanation, while Tasnim highlighted the ‘complete crescent’ shape. Both agencies framed the move as the second expansion since the start of the conflict with the United States and Israel, indicating Iran’s intent to broaden maritime control.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
Fars and Tasnim cite a width increase from 20-30 miles to 200-300 miles, whereas the Straits Times version reports an increase from 32-48 km to 321-482 km. The differing units and baseline figures illustrate a discrepancy between the reports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the past, the Strait of Hormuz was defined as a limited area around islands such as Hormuz and Hengam, but today this view has changed,” — Mohammad Akbarzadeh, Deputy Political Director, IRGC Navy
- “Akbarzadeh said the strait is now defined as a strategic zone stretching from the city of Jask in the east to Siri Island in the west, describing it as “a vast operational area”.” — Mohammad Akbarzadeh, Deputy Political Director, IRGC Navy
- “The expanded zone forms a “complete crescent”, Tasnim said.” — Tasnim News Agency
- “a vast operational area” — Mohammad Akbarzadeh, Deputy Political Director, IRGC Navy
