Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has intensified efforts to assert control over shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, including recent ballistic missile launches toward U.S. Navy warships on September 5 and claims of strikes on commercial tankers. In response, U.S. Central Command conducted strikes disabling or destroying three Iranian oil carriers, contributing to a sharp drop in daily transits to levels not seen since May. These exchanges follow a pattern of attacks on vessels since July, prompting Iran to announce plans for an expanded restricted maritime zone and the United States to maintain naval escorts and enforcement actions. Traders are monitoring further IRGC targeting attempts, potential U.S. retaliation, and any diplomatic signals that could alter the pace of incidents before key deadlines.