Ankara: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has introduced new maritime regulations along the nation's coastline in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. This development follows a directive from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

According to Anadolu Agency, the IRGC Navy has announced its intention to exert control over approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) of Iran's coastline. The IRGC emphasized that this initiative aims to transform the waters into a source of livelihood and strength for the Iranian people, as well as a contributor to security and prosperity in the region. However, specific details about the new rules have not been disclosed.

The announcement comes amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has previously restricted passage through this vital waterway as a countermeasure to US-Israeli strikes initiated on February 28. Although a ceasefire was declared on April 8 through Pakistani mediation and subsequent talks held in Islamabad on April 11-12, a formal agreement remains elusive.

In response to the ongoing situation, US President Donald Trump extended the truce unilaterally at Pakistan's request, though he did not specify a new timeframe. Since April 13, the United States has been enforcing a naval blockade to hinder Iranian maritime activities in the region.