Tehran (Web Desk): Iran has further tightened its control over the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz by establishing a new control zone and making prior permission mandatory for all vessels passing through the area.
Under the updated rules, vessels will not be allowed to pass through the strategic sea lane without securing official permission in advance. Iranian officials have also released the mapped boundaries of the regulated zones. The designated maritime area reportedly runs from Qeshm Island to Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates, covering shipping routes extending from Jabal Mubarak to the southern waters near Fujairah.
According to a statement shared on the social media platform X by Iran’s “Persian Gulf Strait Authority,” a new maritime boundary line has been designated extending from Umm al-Quwain to Qeshm Island.
The authority stated that any maritime traffic within this zone will now be required to coordinate with Iranian officials in advance and obtain formal clearance before passage.
Alongside the announcement, Tehran has issued a detailed nautical chart identifying the specific corridors where ships must comply with Iranian licensing and coordination requirements while transiting.
Authorities in Iran say the step is aimed at improving maritime oversight, strengthening security arrangements, and ensuring smoother navigation in one of the world’s busiest waterways.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial artery for global energy transport, with a substantial portion of international oil shipments passing through it.
The announcement has prompted concern among analysts, who warn that the move could heighten regional sensitivities and add further pressure on already fragile stability in global energy markets.