Iran establishes controlled maritime zone in Strait of Hormuz, requiring vessel authorization

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced the establishment of a controlled maritime zone in the Strait of Hormuz requiring vessels to coordinate with and obtain authorization from the authority before transiting the strategic waterway. In a statement posted on X, the authority outlined the management and monitoring boundaries of the strait.

Zone boundaries

It said the zone extends from Kuh-e Mubarak in Iran to south of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates at the eastern entrance of the strait, and from the tip of Iran's Qeshm Island to Umm al-Quwain in the UAE at the western entrance. The authority also published a map illustrating the newly designated zone.

Conflict context

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks failed to secure a lasting agreement. Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while maintaining a blockade on vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports.