Iran’s Supreme National Security Council formally established a new state body on Monday to control all international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority at 2:40 p.m. local time mandates that vessels must submit detailed transit declarations before entering the waterway.
The centralization of maritime control follows a severe disruption to global energy markets triggered by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war. Since allied strikes on February 28, Iran has heavily restricted shipping access, and current peace talks mediated by Pakistan have stalled during a fragile 41-day ceasefire.
Under the new operational framework, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority requires all incoming ships to file a “Vessel Information Declaration” to receive transit authorization. Officials intend to use the mechanism to eventually charge tolls to ships traversing the international chokepoint, according to a report detailing the specific mandate of the new authority.
The Revolutionary Guards navy corroborated the announcement on social media. The escalating restrictions come as regional energy infrastructure faces mounting threats, with facilities like the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant targeted by drones in neighboring territories.
International leaders warned the new transit rules threaten the stability of the global economy. U.S. President Donald Trump said the peace process is currently on “life support” while maintaining a counter-blockade on Iranian ports. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told a BRICS meeting in New Delhi that restoring safe maritime flows is an absolute necessity.