Iranian regime sets new Strait of Hormuz authority, imposes permit rules for ships; US redirected 91 vessels under blockade enforcement

20/05/2026

TEHRAN, May 20: Iran has announced the establishment of a “controlled maritime zone” in the Strait of Hormuz under a newly created authority overseeing the strategic waterway, according to a post on X.

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority said the zone would extend across key transit lines between coastal points in Iran and the United Arab Emirates, effectively placing a defined supervisory framework over one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

According to the statement, the designated area stretches from a line connecting Kuh-e Mobarak in Iran to southern Fujairah in the UAE on the eastern side of the strait, and from the end of Qeshm Island in Iran to Umm Al Quwain in the UAE on the western side.

The authority said all vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz within this zone will be required to coordinate with and obtain prior authorisation from the new body.

It added that the arrangement is intended to regulate maritime movement through the waterway, which serves as a key route for global energy shipments.

The announcement comes amid heightened regional maritime tensions, with shipping routes through the Gulf closely monitored due to ongoing geopolitical developments involving Iran and neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, earlier today in the Gulf of Oman, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the Iranian-flagged commercial oil tanker M/T Celestial Sea, which was suspected of attempting to violate the U.S. blockade by heading toward an Iranian port. After searching for the vessel, American forces released the ship and instructed its crew to change course. U.S. authorities said they continue to fully enforce the blockade and have now redirected a total of 91 commercial vessels to ensure compliance.