Iran Establishes Hormuz Passage Vetting Agency

Iran has established a new government agency to vet vessels and collect tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has heightened concerns over disruptions to global shipping amid an ongoing conflict with the United States.

Shipping data firm Lloyds List Intelligence reported Thursday that the Persian Gulf Strait Authority is positioning itself as the sole authority to grant permission for ships transiting the strait, emailing application forms to track passage. The strait, a vital waterway for oil, gas and other petroleum products, has been effectively closed by Iran while U.S. forces blockade Iranian ports. Hundreds of commercial ships remain bottled up in the Persian Gulf, contributing to skyrocketing fuel prices and economic instability worldwide.

The development comes as Iranian officials review the latest U.S. proposals for ending the two-month war, conveyed through Pakistan, which is mediating peace efforts. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said no response has been sent to the U.S. side. Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi expressed optimism, stating, "We expect an agreement sooner rather than later" that would...