Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has officially launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a new governing body designed to oversee operations and transit through the Strait of Hormuz. By positioning this entity as the primary legal representative for maritime passage, Tehran is asserting tighter control over the vital waterway, which has been largely inaccessible since the onset of the conflict with the U.S. and Israel in late February. The authority has declared that any vessel wishing to navigate the designated boundaries must secure formal permission, warning that unauthorized movement will be treated as an illegal act.

The move marks a significant shift in regional maritime policy, as Iran moves to formalize a toll-based system for the strait. According to state-affiliated reports, the PGSA is tasked with issuing regulations and providing real-time operational updates to commercial vessels. While a fragile ceasefire has been in effect since early April, the geopolitical tension remains high, with Iran signaling that the waterway will likely never return to its pre-war operational status. With the strait serving as a critical global artery for oil and gas, this new regulatory mechanism provides Tehran with a sophisticated method to collect fees and exert influence over international shipping lanes.