New Delhi: Iran has introduced a new maritime transit framework for ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a government body called the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to oversee vessel clearances and regulate movement through one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
The strait handles nearly 20 per cent of global oil trade, making it a strategically important corridor for international energy supplies and commercial shipping. Under the newly announced system, vessels must seek approval before entering the passage by submitting detailed information through an email based application process.
Ship operators are required to provide ownership records, insurance details, crew manifests and intended sailing routes before receiving permission to transit through Hormuz. Iranian authorities have described the mechanism as a formal authorisation process aimed at regulating maritime traffic within the corridor.
The move has sparked concern across the global shipping industry, with several maritime analysts describing the framework as a new form of geopolitical control over a key international waterway. Industry reports suggest some vessels may already have paid large sums for transit approvals, although Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed any toll structure or payment mechanism.
Shipping executives and insurers are also closely monitoring the implications for freedom of navigation in the region. While Iran signed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees transit rights through international straits, the country has never formally ratified the agreement.
Maritime experts say the latest framework appears to formalise procedures that had already emerged informally during recent regional tensions. Some vessels had reportedly started voluntarily sharing ownership and cargo details while passing through the strait to avoid disruptions or delays.
The development has additionally raised concerns about possible sanctions exposure for international shipping firms. Guidance issued earlier this year by the United States Department of the Treasury warned that payments linked to safe passage arrangements involving Iran could potentially expose non US companies to secondary sanctions.
Separately, Iran also announced the creation of a new “control area” extending from the Gulf of Oman into the Gulf region. The proposed maritime zones reportedly stretch toward waters near the United Arab Emirates and have added to growing concerns among shipping operators and regional governments over navigation rights and operational control in the area.
The developments come as diplomatic discussions continue between Washington and Tehran over regional security arrangements and the future reopening framework for Hormuz transit operations.
