Iran sets up PGSA to regulate Strait of Hormuz transit

Iran has formally established a new regulatory body to oversee maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, signaling a move toward institutionalized control over the waterway following months of conflict-related disruption. The announcement was made Monday by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which launched an official social media account to provide real-time operational updates.

The strait, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments, has seen severely restricted shipping since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and a U.S.-Israeli coalition in late February. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since early April, but maritime traffic has not returned to pre-war levels. Iranian officials have stated that the new authority constitutes a system to exercise sovereignty over the strait.

Under the newly operational mechanism, vessels intending to transit the strait must receive instructions and obtain a transit permit from the PGSA. According to maritime analysts, the process requires operators to submit detailed declarations covering ownership, insurance, crew, cargo, and routing. Passage without permission will be considered illegal,...