Iran Establishes New ‘Controlled Maritime Zone’ In Strait Of Hormuz

Iran has announced a new “controlled maritime zone” in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring ships to coordinate with and obtain approval from Tehran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) before passing through the strategic waterway.

The move could increase uncertainty for global shipping and energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important routes for oil, LNG and commercial vessel traffic.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the PGSA said the controlled zone stretches from Kuh-e Mobarak in Iran and southern Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates at the eastern side of the strait, to the line connecting the tip of Iran’s Qeshm Island and Umm Al Quwain in the UAE at the western side.

The authority said vessels using the route to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must coordinate with and receive authorisation from the PGSA.

Iran recently established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to oversee management of the strategic waterway, which links the Gulf to the Arabian Sea and serves as a critical route for global energy exports, tanker traffic and commercial shipping operations.

The announcement follows months of severe disruption in Gulf shipping operations.

Iran has largely restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz to its own vessels since the conflict with the United States and Israel escalated in late February, according to the source material.

The United States later responded with its own blockade targeting Iranian ports.

The restrictions have contributed to one of the largest disruptions to global energy supplies in recent history, affecting tanker movements and raising concerns across energy and shipping markets over the security of maritime chokepoints in the region.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday that Tehran is seeking to establish a mechanism with Oman to maintain long-term security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to Iranian state television, Baghaei said Iran was ready to develop protocols for safe shipping traffic with other coastal states, though he did not provide further details.

The Strait of Hormuz is a major global shipping chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. Large volumes of crude oil, LNG cargoes and commercial shipping pass through the route every day.

References: iranintl, moneycontrol