Iran Launches Persian Gulf Strait Authority to Strengthen Control Over Hormuz Traffic
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced the establishment of a new authority on Monday to oversee operations in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway, crucial for global oil shipments, has been effectively closed by Tehran, which intends to impose fees on vessels traversing it. The newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) aims to provide real-time updates on operations and developments in the strait, as detailed in a post shared on the council’s official X account.
The PGSA formalizes a sovereign transit mechanism, declaring that any passage through the strait without coordination with this authority will be deemed illegal. This move underscores Iran’s intent to exert greater control over one of the world’s most vital maritime routes.
Regulations for Maritime Traffic
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ navy also disseminated the same announcement regarding the PGSA. While the specific functions of this new body remain somewhat unclear, earlier reports from Iranian media suggested that it would serve as a “system to exercise sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.” Ships navigating through the strait have reportedly been receiving “regulations” from an official email address.
Since the onset of hostilities with the United States and Israel on February 28, Iran has largely restricted shipping in this critical area. A fragile ceasefire has been in effect since April 8, but Iran’s control over the strait has raised concerns in global markets and provided Tehran with significant leverage in ongoing geopolitical tensions. Concurrently, the United States has implemented its own naval blockade on Iranian ports.
In normal circumstances, the Strait of Hormuz accounts for approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, as well as other essential commodities like fertilizers. Iran has consistently stated that maritime traffic through the strait will not revert to its pre-war status. Last month, Iranian officials announced that they had begun collecting tolls from vessels traversing the waterway.
On Saturday, Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, indicated that Iran has developed a “professional mechanism to manage traffic” through the strait, which will be revealed soon.
U.S. Officials Discuss Diplomatic Efforts
In related developments, President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the ongoing conflict would conclude “very quickly.” Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about progress in negotiations with Tehran aimed at reaching a ceasefire. Vance remarked during a White House press briefing that the U.S. is in a “pretty good spot” regarding these discussions.
Trump’s comments followed his decision to pause a planned escalation of hostilities after receiving a new proposal from Tehran to end the conflict. He noted that he was “an hour away from making the decision to go today,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Threats of Military Action
Trump also claimed that Iranian leaders are “begging for a deal,” warning that the U.S. would consider new military actions against Iran if an agreement is not reached soon. The United States has faced challenges in concluding the war it initiated with Israel nearly three months ago. Throughout the conflict, Trump has asserted that a deal with Tehran is imminent while simultaneously threatening significant military strikes if negotiations falter.
The U.S. president is under considerable domestic political pressure to finalize an agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global oil and commodity supplies. Rising gasoline prices and declining approval ratings ahead of the upcoming congressional elections in November have intensified this pressure.
Regional Impact and Global Energy Disruptions
The ongoing conflict has resulted in unprecedented disruptions to global energy supplies, with hundreds of tankers blocked from exiting the Gulf and damage inflicted on energy and shipping infrastructure across the region. Recent data indicates that two Chinese supertankers carrying Iraqi crude successfully navigated the strait this month, transporting approximately 4 million barrels of crude oil.
Oil prices have shown signs of easing amid positive signals from the White House and developments in the Gulf, with Brent crude falling to as low as $110.16 per barrel before recovering much of its losses. Analysts, including Toshitaka Tazawa from Fujitomi Securities, noted that investors are closely monitoring whether Washington and Tehran can find common ground and reach a peace agreement, especially given the shifting U.S. stance.
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Published on 2026-05-20 19:17:00 • By the Editorial Desk
