Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) is a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces responsible for maritime security and defense, particularly in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. It operates separately from Iran's regular navy and is known for its assertive posture in the region. The IRGCN is newsworthy due to recent announcements regarding shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian media citing a military statement, the IRGCN has designated two alternative routes for ships transiting the Strait, closer to the Iranian coast. This announcement coincides with concerns about the fragility of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, impacting global oil markets. The IRGCN's control over maritime traffic in this strategic waterway, and its ability to influence shipping routes, underscores its significance in regional geopolitics and global energy security.