Iran has operationalised a new maritime authority for the Strait of Hormuz, introducing transit permits and expanding oversight across the critical global oil route.
Iranian soldiers patrol the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran on April 30, 2019. The waterway carries about 20% of global oil supply and remains a key global energy chokepoint. (Photo: Xinhua/IANS)
Iran has formally defined the operational boundaries of its newly-created Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a move that comes at a time of heightened tensions with the United States and growing uncertainty over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
The development is significant because the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically sensitive oil transit corridors. Any new regulatory structure introduced by Tehran is likely to be closely watched by global energy markets and shipping operators, especially as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.
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In a statement posted on X, the PGSA said the supervision zone stretches from the line connecting Kuh Mobarak in Iran to southern Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on the eastern side of the Strait, and extends westward to the line linking Qeshm Island in Iran with Umm al-Qaiwain in the UAE.
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The authority added that vessels operating within the designated range would now require coordination with the Persian Gulf Waterway Management system and must obtain permits before transiting through the Strait.
“Frequencies in this range for passing through the Strait of Hormuz require coordination with the Persian Gulf Waterway Management and a permit from this entity,” the body said in its post.
Iran had earlier this week announced the creation of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a dedicated body tasked with supervising and regulating activities linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement was amplified by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, which reposted information confirming that the authority’s official X account had become operational.
Iranian state media outlet Press TV had earlier reported that Tehran was introducing a new maritime governance mechanism for ships entering the Strait.
According to the report, vessels intending to pass through the route would receive official instructions and regulatory communication from the email address info@PGSA.ir under the new framework.
The report further stated that ships would be required to secure transit permits and comply with directives issued by the authority before entering the waterway.
The latest move comes against the backdrop of continuing friction between Iran and the US over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional influence.
Washington has maintained its demand for a complete halt to Iran’s nuclear activities, while Tehran has continued to insist on protecting what it describes as its energy security interests and maintaining influence over the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is considered one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints for oil and energy shipments. Concerns over disruptions have grown in recent months following the conflict involving Iran and US-Israeli coalition forces in the West Asia region.
Iranian media has described the new mechanism as a “sovereign governance” framework that is now fully operational.
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