Iran forms new authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz

Tehran announced the formation of a new authority tasked with managing the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with the United States over that strategic shipping route. The Supreme National Security Council said on Monday, 18 May, that it would provide up-to-date information on operations in the Strait of Hormuz and related developments via X. The authorities have not explained the structure, powers or responsibilities of the new body. On Saturday, Iran’s parliamentary head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Ebrahim Azizi, said Tehran has prepared a mechanism to regulate maritime traffic through a designated route in the Strait. He said Iran would charge fees for ‘special services’ provided through the mechanism, adding that, in this process, only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran would benefit. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and global markets. Disruptions in these waters have raised global concerns about the supply of oil, fuels, and gas since the escalation in Iran. A ceasefire took effect on 8 April through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to deliver a long-term agreement. Since 13 April, the US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian maritime traffic in the strait area.