Iran has launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to manage ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, raising control over a key route for global oil and LNG shipments.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced the new body on Monday and opened an official X account for the authority. In its first post, the authority said it would issue real-time updates on operations and developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
The move follows weeks of disruption after a conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The Strait of Hormuz normally handles about one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments.
The new authority said vessels passing through areas under its control must coordinate fully with Iranian authorities and armed forces. It warned that transit without approval could be treated as illegal.
Iranian media had earlier reported that vessels using the strait were receiving operational instructions through the PGSA email address.
In the Name of God
— PGSA | نهاد مدیریت آبراه خلیج فارس (@PGSA_IRAN) May 18, 2026
The official X account of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (#PGSA) is now live.
Follow us for real‑time updates on the #Hormuz_Strait operations and latest developments.
The authority was formed after Iran said it had taken full control of the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict that began on 28 February. A ceasefire took effect on 8 April through Pakistani mediation, but no final agreement has been reached.
Iranian parliamentarian Ebrahim Azizi said the mechanism was developed under Iran’s national sovereignty. He said only commercial operators cooperating with Iran would benefit from the arrangement.
A draft bill introduced in Iran’s parliament last month proposed restrictions on ships linked to the United States and other countries Tehran views as hostile. It also proposed a full ban on vessels linked to Israel and a toll system for approved transits.
Iranian authorities said toll revenue would be used for maritime security, environmental protection and compensation linked to conflict damage.
Iranian media reported that daily traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen from about 135 vessels before the conflict to a limited number of approved passages. Talks with Washington are continuing through Pakistani mediation channels.
