Iran has established a new regulatory body to oversee vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, implementing a mandatory registration system that requires ships to gain approval from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps before entering the vital shipping corridor.
The newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) mandates that maritime companies complete comprehensive documentation before their vessels can traverse the waterway. CNN obtained copies of the registration documents, which contain over 40 required data points including vessel identification numbers, current and former ship names, departure and arrival ports, cargo specifications, and nationality information for crew members, vessel owners, and operators.
Communications from the PGSA emphasize that “complete and accurate information is essential” for passage authorization, with additional guidance to be provided through email correspondence.
The authority’s messaging warns that “any incorrect or incomplete information provided will be the sole responsibility of the applicant, and any resulting consequences will be borne accordingly.”
Industry experts have not confirmed whether shipping companies have begun using this new approval process. Security analysts caution that participation in Iran’s system could potentially subject companies to United States sanctions. Iran previously suggested in April that transit fees might be implemented to offset infrastructure damage and conflict-related expenses, though current fee requirements remain uncertain.
This development coincides with the United States advancing Project Freedom, a maritime protection program for vessels departing through Omani territorial waters on the strait’s southern boundary. The American initiative operates as a cost-free, US-supervised transit arrangement. Iran has expressed opposition to this program and has conducted attacks against commercial ships and US Navy vessels in attempts to interfere with the operation.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a conduit for approximately 20% of global oil and natural gas shipments. The creation of the PGSA represents Iran’s effort to strengthen its influence over this passage amid ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel, signaling Tehran’s intention to treat such control as a strategic advantage gained through conflict.
A social media account attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei recently advocated for a “new regional and global order under the strategy of a strong Iran,” declaring no tolerance for foreign presence “and their mischief.” The posts also referenced “using the leverage of closing the strait” as part of this strategic vision.
