In a statement published by the IRGC’s official news outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC navy said the vessels, including oil tankers, container ships and other commercial vessels, safely transited the strategic waterway after obtaining authorisation.

The statement added that the IRGC Navy is “firmly carrying out intelligent control” over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any “act of aggression” would be met with a “strong and crushing response”.

Iran tightened its grip on the strait beginning Feb 28, when it barred safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the US following their joint strikes on Iranian territory.

The US has also imposed a naval blockade on the strait, preventing ships travelling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway.