Iran tightens control over Strait of Hormuz

Iran has set up a controlled maritime zone in the Strait of Hormuz. Ships must now get authorization before passing. The zone stretches from Kuh-e Mubarak in Iran to south of Fujairah in the UAE. On the west, it covers from Qeshm Island to Umm al-Quwain. The authority stated that any passage through the area “requires coordination with and authorization from the authority”, indicating tighter Iranian oversight of one of the world’s most important shipping routes.Iran is also talking with Oman to create a security mechanism for safe shipping. Officials offered no details on the plan.

Iran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority said on Wednesday a “controlled maritime zone” would be established in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a post on X.

The authority, set up to oversee the strategic waterway, defined the zone as extending “from the line…

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) May 20, 2026

Since late February, Iran has largely blocked the strait to all ships except its own. This has caused major disruptions to global energy supplies.
The U.S. responded last month with a blockade of Iranian ports.