The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has announced new regulations aimed at strengthening its control over 2,000 km (1,243 miles) of coastline along the Arabian Gulf and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. This initiative is part of a broader effort to instill a sense of pride and security for the Iranian people, as stated by the IRGC Navy command. The announcement follows a directive from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who asserted that foreign military forces have no place in the region. He referred to U.S. military bases as a 'paper tiger,' questioning their effectiveness in ensuring security amid rising tensions between Iran and the U.S. Khamenei emphasized the Persian Gulf's significance as a vital economic pathway and a part of Iranian identity, advocating for a future free from foreign interference. The new maritime rules are seen as a response to recent geopolitical developments, including a U.S. naval blockade imposed on Iran.