Iran announces Hormuz inspection regime for Israel-linked vessels — Brent surges 11%

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced it would conduct mandatory inspections of all commercial vessels with "documented ties to the Zionist regime or its sponsors" transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The statement, broadcast on state television, stopped short of declaring a formal closure but has triggered immediate international alarm. Brent crude surged 11% in overnight trading to $104.80/bbl — the highest level since 2022. The US Navy's 5th Fleet, headquartered in Bahrain, immediately placed all vessels in the Arabian Gulf on elevated readiness. QatarEnergy issued a statement saying LNG loading operations "continue normally" but activated its Force Majeure contingency assessment team. Japan's government convened an emergency energy security council meeting. The UN Security Council called an emergency session, with the US and UK submitting a draft resolution condemning the announcement. Russia and China indicated they would veto. Israeli PM's office stated that any interference with international shipping would be treated as "an act of war warranting a proportional military response." Iran's Foreign Ministry called the statement "routine defensive maritime rights under international law."

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