Iran’s self-appointed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has clarified its claim over the maritime zone in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing its intention to enforce a permission-based transit system in this vital shipping corridor. The PGSA’s announcement, made via X, describes the “Strait of Hormuz management supervision area,” outlining boundaries that connect Kuh Mobarak in Iran and Fujairah in the UAE to Qeshm Island in Iran and Umm al-Qaiwain in the UAE. This effectively defines a corridor through much of the strait, indicating significant oversight by Iranian forces over large areas extending into the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
The PGSA’s declaration comes amidst rising tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel, and amid ongoing turmoil in maritime operations in the region. New guidelines from major shipping organizations have warned of heightened risks around Hormuz, including threats from missile strikes, unmanned vessel attacks, and potential GPS interference. These concerns underline the uncertainty facing commercial navigation, compounded by demands for vessels to coordinate with the PGSA for passage permits.
Furthermore, Iran is reportedly working to establish a broader transit framework with regional players, including Oman, aiming for enhanced security and cooperation in Straits operations. Despite claims of successful vessel transits under Iranian coordination, skepticism persists within the maritime industry regarding the reliability and safety of Iranian-administered passage. The current climate remains fraught with danger, impacting shipping activity significantly, as operators await credible security assurances before resuming normal operations.
