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Iran Tightens Control Over Strait of Hormuz With New Shipping Rules

Iran has launched a new "sovereign governance system" requiring all ships to obtain permission via email from Iranian authorities before passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows Iran's February 28 decision to deny safe passage to vessels linked to Israel and the United States after joint strikes on Iranian territory. US President Donald Trump announced "Project Freedom" to escort ships through the waterway, prompting Iran's military to warn that any approaching US forces will be attacked. The standoff has escalated tensions over the strategic chokepoint through which about 20% of global oil passes.

Key Points: Iran Launches New Shipping Control System in Strait of Hormuz

  • Iran launches new system requiring ships to get permission via email to transit Strait of Hormuz
  • Iran denies safe passage to vessels linked to Israel and US since February 28
  • US President Trump announces "Project Freedom" to escort ships starting Monday
  • Iran warns US military will be attacked if it approaches the strait
2 min read

Iran launches new system to regulate shipping through Strait of Hormuz: Report

Iran introduces a new system requiring all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to obtain permission, escalating tensions with the US amid threats of military action.

"any foreign armed forces, especially the aggressive US army, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz - Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (Iran's joint military command)"

Tehran, May 6

Iran has launched a new system to control ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported, continuing a maritime standoff that now involves a US blockade and threats of military action.

Under the new rules, all ships planning to pass through the narrow waterway must receive permission via email from Iranian authorities, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting state-run Press TV. Iran is calling the initiative a "sovereign governance system."

Ships would be required to adjust their operations accordingly and obtain permission before entering the waterway, Press TV reported. It described the initiative as a "sovereign governance system" now in effect in the strategic chokepoint.

Iran has tightened its approach to the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, when it said it would deny safe passage to vessels linked to Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territory.

Iran's parliament is also considering legislation that would formalise restrictions on vessels tied to Israel and the United States and introduce a toll system for other ships deemed non-hostile.

The claims come amid heightened tensions over the waterway. The United States has also imposed restrictions affecting ships travelling to and from Iranian ports following unsuccessful post-ceasefire negotiations with Tehran in Islamabad on April 11 and 12.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States would begin escorting ships out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning under what he called "Project Freedom," describing it as a humanitarian measure.

In response, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the country's joint military command, warned in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency that "any foreign armed forces, especially the aggressive US army, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The US had no business striking Iranian territory in the first place. Now they're crying foul when Iran retaliates in their own backyard. The Strait of Hormuz is Iran's coastline. Of course they want to regulate traffic near their shores. The US thinks they can bully everyone into submission, but Iran is standing up. Good for them.
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Michael C
This is a recipe for disaster. The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of the world's oil. Any disruption there will cause global economic chaos, and India will be hit hard with inflation. Both sides are acting like schoolboys in a playground. The international community, including India, needs to step in and mediate before this turns into a real conflict.
R
Ravi K
I remember when the US used to talk about freedom of navigation. Now they're the ones imposing blockades and restrictions. Hypocrisy at its finest. Iran is playing hardball because they've been cornered by sanctions for decades. The email permission system is just a political gesture. No captain will actually comply without UN backing.
S
Suresh O
As an Indian, I'm worried about our Chabahar port project with Iran. If the Strait becomes a warzone, our trade routes to Central Asia via Iran will be blocked. The US is forcing us to choose between them and Iran. We need to maintain our strategic autonomy. Neither side is our friend—we should negotiate with both to ensure safe passage for Indian ships.
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Nisha Z
Look at this from the Gulf countries' perspective. They're caught between Iran and the US. If there's a war, their oil exports stop. The UAE

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