{"id":1875894,"date":"2026-04-10T13:06:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T10:06:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875894"},"modified":"2026-04-10T13:06:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T10:06:51","slug":"overlooked-irgc-institution-holds-key-to-irans-hormuz-approach-expert-warns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875894","title":{"rendered":"Overlooked IRGC institution holds key to Iran&#8217;s Hormuz approach, expert warns"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/16\/02\/1200x675_cmsv2_ed81b054-397e-5dc9-bcf3-ce993477119a-9701602.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2885171-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885171\" data-cid=\"9717591\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885171-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/73\/56\/189x106_cmsv2_540fadaa-d62f-56fa-b671-ebc6dbf6b607-9717356.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Suspected anti-Semitic attack in Munich\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Germany<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israeli restaurant targeted in suspected antisemitic attack in Munich\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885200-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885200\" data-cid=\"9717430\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885200-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/74\/30\/189x106_cmsv2_d71e5895-ed62-5072-a8e4-26b1b3a7aa21-9717430.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE. The Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C., Jun. 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US inflation surges to 3.3% as Iran war fuels energy price shock\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884952-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884952\" data-cid=\"9716937\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884952-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/37\/189x106_cmsv2_d0b8ff54-c5e6-517d-971e-888fb841b636-9716937.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman rides a bicycle by a poster showing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the slogan &quot;Let's stand together against the war!&quot; in Albertirsa, Hungary, 9 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Hungary<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Elections in Hungary: What do the polls say?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885041-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885041\" data-cid=\"9716571\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885041-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/71\/189x106_cmsv2_1e073469-b5c1-52ba-8599-ffe8f9bbc68f-9716571.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A man fills his car with diesel at a gas station in London, Monday, March 30, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU considering excessive profit taxes on oil and gas companies\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885171-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885171\" data-cid=\"9717591\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885171-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/73\/56\/189x106_cmsv2_540fadaa-d62f-56fa-b671-ebc6dbf6b607-9717356.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Suspected anti-Semitic attack in Munich\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Germany<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israeli restaurant targeted in suspected antisemitic attack in Munich\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885200-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885200\" data-cid=\"9717430\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885200-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/74\/30\/189x106_cmsv2_d71e5895-ed62-5072-a8e4-26b1b3a7aa21-9717430.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE. The Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C., Jun. 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US inflation surges to 3.3% as Iran war fuels energy price shock\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884952-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2884952\" data-cid=\"9716937\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884952-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/37\/189x106_cmsv2_d0b8ff54-c5e6-517d-971e-888fb841b636-9716937.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman rides a bicycle by a poster showing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the slogan &quot;Let's stand together against the war!&quot; in Albertirsa, Hungary, 9 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Hungary<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Elections in Hungary: What do the polls say?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885041-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885041\" data-cid=\"9716571\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885041-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/71\/189x106_cmsv2_1e073469-b5c1-52ba-8599-ffe8f9bbc68f-9716571.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A man fills his car with diesel at a gas station in London, Monday, March 30, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU considering excessive profit taxes on oil and gas companies\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          Qatar<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Overlooked IRGC institution holds key to Iran&#8217;s Hormuz approach, expert warns<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/16\/02\/1536x864_cmsv2_ed81b054-397e-5dc9-bcf3-ce993477119a-9701602.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Fishing boats dot the sea as cargo ships, in the background, sail through the Arabian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz off the United Arab Emirates, Friday, March 27, 2026.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Fishing boats dot the sea as cargo ships, in the background, sail through the Arabian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz off the United Arab Emirates, Friday, March 27, 2026.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspAadel Haleem\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1775826411\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-04-10 15:06:51 +02:00\">10\/04\/2026 &#8211; 15:06 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay 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width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The fragile US-Iran ceasefire is already faltering, with Tehran still blocking the Strait of Hormuz navigation in protest against Israel\u2019s attacks in Lebanon. A leading Iran expert indicates Tehran&#8217;s Hormuz strategy could be part of a well-established strategy.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Iran&#8217;s strategy on the Strait of Hormuz is most likely shaped by a crucial security decision-making body within the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), according to a Middle East expert and Iran observer.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Professor Mehran Kamrava of Georgetown University in Qatar has pointed to an often overlooked institution, the Khatam al-Anbiya, which may hold the key to understanding Iran\u2019s plans for the Strait of Hormuz and the war in general.<\/p>\n<p>Kamrava told Euronews in Doha that \u201cmost likely Iran\u2019s Hormuz Strait strategy and its broader strategy is shaped and influenced by the headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya which is the central key security decision making within the Revolutionary Guards.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>\u201cDuring wartime, the Khatam al-Anbiya\u2019s job is to coordinate war effort. In peacetime, its job is to run scenarios and determine possible strategies for Iran,\u201d Kamrava said.<\/p>\n<p>That makes it a key force shaping Tehran&#8217;s Hormuz policy, alongside the Supreme National Security Council, which coordinates Iran&#8217;s overall foreign and security decisions.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>A ceasefire that still feels temporary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As to Iran\u2019s strategy ahead, Kamrava believes that \u201cthe war footing continues as far as the Revolutionary Guard is concerned, because there is a history of Israel repeatedly sabotaging negotiations between Iran and the United States, and there is every likelihood and possibility that Israel will do so again by attacking Iran or by provoking Iran into some sort of retaliatory attack.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe strategy now is vigilance and only of an assumption of a temporary pause in the war until the formal ceasefire agreement is signed,\u201d the Iran analyst added.<\/p>\n<p>Ship traffic data reflects that caution, with only limited bulk cargo vessel movement through the strait since the pause in fighting began.<\/p>\n<p>Iran\u2019s suggestion that it could charge ships to pass through Hormuz has become a focal point.<\/p>\n<p>Kamrava says the more immediate question is practical, and points to early signs of enforcement.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt appears that the Iranians have now hit on something that they are not willing to negotiate over,\u201d the Doha professor said, while leaving room for \u201csome measure of coordination with Iranian authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>To the Iranians, such a model could involve regional countries like Oman and &#8220;that would give the Iranians something of a fig leaf in which they can say that Arab partners are involved.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey are keen to make sure that Iran has a say and probably can collect fees from passage most likely in coordination with Omanis,\u201d Kamrava explained, adding that \u201cwe have seen over the last week or so, they have collected money from ships\u2026 from the Philippines, from Thailand, and probably from Japan.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/59\/11\/808x539_cmsv2_74ab378b-0479-51af-8d6e-5f990eb5963c-9715911.jpg\" alt=\"Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Kamrava believes Iran formulates its Hormuz narrative is based on its own assumptions on international legal arguments. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAccording to international law, territorial waters extend 12 (nautical) miles beyond the shoreline. At its narrowest, the strait is 22 km, which means that both Iran and Oman have control over the Strait of Hormuz,&#8221; Kamrava said. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And that\u2019s what the Iranians are basing their arguments on in terms of legal argument. They are basing their assumptions on international law.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Iran has framed the funds as necessary for post-war reconstruction following widespread infrastructure damage.<\/p>\n<p>Oman quickly rejected Iran\u2019s claims that the two countries would collect transit fees during the two-week ceasefire, underlining that it respects international maritime transport agreements and the Law of the Sea principles, which state that ships do not have to pay to pass through natural waterways. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Strait of Hormuz is a natural passage, not created by human intervention, and therefore, no fees can be imposed on it according to the international agreements signed by the Sultanate,\u201c Oman\u2019s transport minister said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Global effort to keep Hormuz open<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>World leaders are now focused on restoring confidence in the route.<\/p>\n<p>The UAE and Qatar have also firmly stated that there can be no Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<p>EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer both toured the Gulf countries over the last few days for talks on cooperation to reopen navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<p>Kallas met UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi on Thursday and warned against Iran\u2019s control of Hormuz.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are really focusing on the freedom of navigation in these waters,\u201d Kallas told the UAE media. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If we go down that slippery slope of giving the right to ask tolls or taxes over these waters that have been open before, then I think we will see this elsewhere in the world as well, and this is a very dangerous development.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/59\/11\/808x539_cmsv2_151c5ea9-f1c0-5fb5-a569-f8713c6e772b-9715911.jpg\" alt=\"Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves the airplane as he arrives at the airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 9, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Britain&#8217;s Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves the airplane as he arrives at the airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 9, 2026<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Starmer also visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar this week, saying that \u201cit\u2019s very important we get the Strait of Hormuz open,\u201d warning of the impact on energy markets.<\/p>\n<p>Starmer has convened multinational meetings to discuss how allies can support reopening the strait, which is crucial to global energy flows.<\/p>\n<p>In Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean-No\u00ebl Barrot announced that European and other partners are \u201cfinalising\u201d plans to set up a mission to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as fighting effectively ends.<\/p>\n<p>Barrot said Thursday that \u201cplanning for this mission is currently being finalised between French military officials and countries that have volunteered,\u201d speaking on France Inter radio, while French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that about 15 nations are ready to participate in such a mission.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;No, it is not acceptable,&#8221; Barrot stated as to Iran\u2019s claims of charging transit fees, underlining that &#8220;freedom of navigation in international waters is a common good, a common good of humanity that should not be hindered by any obstacles or passage rights.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>And in a speech to the Italian parliament on Thursday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that any extra Iranian duties in the Strait of Hormuz would have \u201cunpredictable economic consequences.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>\u201cFull restoration of freedom of movement in the Strait of Hormuz is needed, and it must not be subject to any restrictions, as appears to have happened in recent hours,\u201d Melon said. <\/p>\n<p>Pakistan is expected to host Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad on Friday, offering a potential path forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                          Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Reports of Iran closing Strait of Hormuz &#8216;completely unacceptable,&#8217; White House says<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Qatar warns Iran war could now &#8216;spiral out of control&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Iran war enters dangerous phase as regime shows resilience despite pressure<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    US-Israel attack on Iran 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Iran war<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Strait of Hormuz<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Ceasefire<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884829-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884829\" data-cid=\"9715437\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884829-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/35\/20\/320x180_cmsv2_48e32de6-387d-5a20-b7f6-477c94a545ca-9703520.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People walk next to a campaign poster which reads, &quot;They're a risk. 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class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/35\/20\/320x180_cmsv2_48e32de6-387d-5a20-b7f6-477c94a545ca-9703520.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People walk next to a campaign poster which reads, &quot;They're a risk. Fidesz is the safe choice&quot; in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, ahead of the April 12 parliam\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Orb\u00e1n or Magyar: EU braces for veto politics or a cautious reset<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884952-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884952\" data-cid=\"9716937\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884952-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/37\/320x180_cmsv2_d0b8ff54-c5e6-517d-971e-888fb841b636-9716937.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman rides a bicycle by a poster showing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the slogan &quot;Let's stand together against the war!&quot; in Albertirsa, Hungary, 9 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Elections in Hungary: What do the polls say?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885022-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885022\" data-cid=\"9716515\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885022-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/65\/15\/320x180_cmsv2_46ba58e8-3dba-5734-9938-d04438618a8e-9716515.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rutte and Trump\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump issues NATO ultimatum to reopen Strait of Hormuz &#8216;within days&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885073-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885073\" data-cid=\"9716709\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885073-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/67\/09\/320x180_cmsv2_5979dbee-c8b7-519c-b8fc-ada65c8aebd0-9716709.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police officers guard on a barricaded road in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, 10.04.2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pakistan prepares to host US-Iran talks as ceasefire remains shaky<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885126-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2885126\" data-cid=\"9716951\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885126-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/69\/51\/320x180_cmsv2_beb427d4-4090-596c-bcb6-f26793829c63-9716951.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Ukrainian officer examines a downed Shahed drone with thermobaric charge launched by Russia in a research laboratory in an undisclosed location in Ukraine Nov. 14, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukrainians shot down Iranian drones in the Gulf, Zelenskyy says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2879646-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2879646\" data-cid=\"9690878\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rome Colosseum renovation reveals structures hidden for centuries<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884943-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884943\" data-cid=\"9716044\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran rules out restriction on enrichment programme, nuclear chief says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884367-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884367\" data-cid=\"9713104\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>     Petrol and diesel in Europe: Where are prices highest and lowest?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884975-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884975\" data-cid=\"9716233\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU rejects Trump&#8217;s &#8216;joint venture&#8217; to charge ships through Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884968-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884968\" data-cid=\"9716192\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Artemis II astronauts brace for a 13-minute &#8216;fireball&#8217; return to Earth<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Iran&#8217;s strategy on the Strait of Hormuz is most likely shaped by a crucial security decision-making body within the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), according to a Middle East expert and Iran observer.Professor Mehran Kamrava of Georgetown University in Qatar has pointed to an often overlooked institution, the Khatam al-Anbiya, which may hold the key to understanding Iran\u2019s plans for the Strait of Hormuz and the war in general.Kamrava told Euronews in Doha that \u201cmost likely Iran\u2019s Hormuz Strait strategy and its broader strategy is shaped and influenced by the headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya which is the central key security decision making within the Revolutionary Guards.\u201d\u201cDuring wartime, the Khatam al-Anbiya\u2019s job is to coordinate war effort. In peacetime, its job is to run scenarios and determine possible strategies for Iran,\u201d Kamrava said.That makes it a key force shaping Tehran&#8217;s Hormuz policy, alongside the Supreme National Security Council, which coordinates Iran&#8217;s overall foreign and security decisions.A ceasefire that still feels temporaryAs to Iran\u2019s strategy ahead, Kamrava believes that \u201cthe war footing continues as far as the Revolutionary Guard is concerned, because there is a history of Israel repeatedly sabotaging negotiations between Iran and the United States, and there is every likelihood and possibility that Israel will do so again by attacking Iran or by provoking Iran into some sort of retaliatory attack.\u201d\u201cThe strategy now is vigilance and only of an assumption of a temporary pause in the war until the formal ceasefire agreement is signed,\u201d the Iran analyst added.Ship traffic data reflects that caution, with only limited bulk cargo vessel movement through the strait since the pause in fighting began.Iran\u2019s suggestion that it could charge ships to pass through Hormuz has become a focal point.Kamrava says the more immediate question is practical, and points to early signs of enforcement.\u201cIt appears that the Iranians have now hit on something that they are not willing to negotiate over,\u201d the Doha professor said, while leaving room for \u201csome measure of coordination with Iranian authorities.\u201dTo the Iranians, such a model could involve regional countries like Oman and &#8220;that would give the Iranians something of a fig leaf in which they can say that Arab partners are involved.&#8221;\u201cThey are keen to make sure that Iran has a say and probably can collect fees from passage most likely in coordination with Omanis,\u201d Kamrava explained, adding that \u201cwe have seen over the last week or so, they have collected money from ships\u2026 from the Philippines, from Thailand, and probably from Japan.\u201dKamrava believes Iran formulates its Hormuz narrative is based on its own assumptions on international legal arguments.\u201cAccording to international law, territorial waters extend 12 (nautical) miles beyond the shoreline. At its narrowest, the strait is 22 km, which means that both Iran and Oman have control over the Strait of Hormuz,&#8221; Kamrava said.&#8221;And that\u2019s what the Iranians are basing their arguments on in terms of legal argument. They are basing their assumptions on international law.\u201dIran has framed the funds as necessary for post-war reconstruction following widespread infrastructure damage.Oman quickly rejected Iran\u2019s claims that the two countries would collect transit fees during the two-week ceasefire, underlining that it respects international maritime transport agreements and the Law of the Sea principles, which state that ships do not have to pay to pass through natural waterways.\u201cThe Strait of Hormuz is a natural passage, not created by human intervention, and therefore, no fees can be imposed on it according to the international agreements signed by the Sultanate,\u201c Oman\u2019s transport minister said on Wednesday.Global effort to keep Hormuz openWorld leaders are now focused on restoring confidence in the route.The UAE and Qatar have also firmly stated that there can be no Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz.EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer both toured the Gulf countries over the last few days for talks on cooperation to reopen navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.Kallas met UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi on Thursday and warned against Iran\u2019s control of Hormuz.\u201cWe are really focusing on the freedom of navigation in these waters,\u201d Kallas told the UAE media.&#8221;If we go down that slippery slope of giving the right to ask tolls or taxes over these waters that have been open before, then I think we will see this elsewhere in the world as well, and this is a very dangerous development.\u201dStarmer also visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar this week, saying that \u201cit\u2019s very important we get the Strait of Hormuz open,\u201d warning of the impact on energy markets.Starmer has convened multinational meetings to discuss how allies can support reopening the strait, which is crucial to global energy flows.In Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean-No\u00ebl Barrot announced that European and other partners are \u201cfinalising\u201d plans to set up a mission to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as fighting effectively ends.Barrot said Thursday that \u201cplanning for this mission is currently being finalised between French military officials and countries that have volunteered,\u201d speaking on France Inter radio, while French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that about 15 nations are ready to participate in such a mission.&#8221;No, it is not acceptable,&#8221; Barrot stated as to Iran\u2019s claims of charging transit fees, underlining that &#8220;freedom of navigation in international waters is a common good, a common good of humanity that should not be hindered by any obstacles or passage rights.&#8221;And in a speech to the Italian parliament on Thursday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that any extra Iranian duties in the Strait of Hormuz would have \u201cunpredictable economic consequences.\u201d\u201cFull restoration of freedom of movement in the Strait of Hormuz is needed, and it must not be subject to any restrictions, as appears to have happened in recent hours,\u201d Melon said.Pakistan is expected to host Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad on Friday, offering a potential path forward.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/04\/10\/overlooked-irgc-institution-holds-key-to-irans-hormuz-approach-expert-warns&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/16\/02\/1200x675_cmsv2_ed81b054-397e-5dc9-bcf3-ce993477119a-9701602.jpg&#8221;] Germany Israeli restaurant targeted in suspected antisemitic attack in Munich Economy US inflation surges to 3.3% as Iran war fuels energy price shock Hungary Elections in Hungary: What do the polls say? Europe News EU considering excessive profit taxes on oil and gas companies Germany Israeli restaurant targeted in suspected antisemitic attack [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1875894","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875894","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1875894"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875894\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1875894"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1875894"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1875894"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}