Iran seeks to tighten control over strait of Hormuz alongside Khamenei funeral

Amidst mourning for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has intensified its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Following a US-backed southern route's increased use by ships, the IRGC issued warnings, causing eight vessels to turn back and reducing overall traffic. France and the UK plan to deploy a mine-clearing force to the southern route, which Iran rejects. Oil prices have fallen significantly, reflecting increased oil availability. A US-Iran memorandum of understanding regarding traffic restoration is proving to be a guideline rather than enforceable rules. Oman is proposing a navigational fee system for the strait, drawing parallels to the Strait of Malacca. Both the US and Iran are reportedly strengthening military positions during a ceasefire period.

Negotiations between Iran and the United States in Doha this week concluded without an agreement on releasing frozen Iranian funds, impacting the future of energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also not begun demining the strait and continues to threaten ships attempting to leave the Gulf without permission. These failures mean neither side has met key obligations under a June 17 memorandum of understanding, preventing definitive negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Iran has warned France and the UK against demining efforts, stating such operations must be exclusively carried out by Iranian forces. An earlier UN initiative to clear ships was suspended due to Iranian attacks, leaving hundreds of vessels stranded.