Iran Claims Control Over Strait of Hormuz with New Shipping Rules, Threatening Global Oil Flow

Iran’s latest power play in the Strait of Hormuz is a blatant attempt to consolidate control over one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil and gas shipments. According to a document obtained by CNN, Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) now demands that every vessel transiting the strait complete an exhaustive “Vessel Information Declaration” form. This form requires detailed data on the ship’s identity, ownership, crew nationalities, cargo, and destinations — all to be submitted before passage.

Previously, the strait was a free navigation zone, but since the US and Israeli campaign against Iran escalated in February, Tehran has increasingly asserted its dominance through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy, warning that ships ignoring Iranian permission risk attack. Several vessels have already been targeted, forcing most ship owners to avoid the route altogether.

This move is not just about maritime safety; it’s a calculated effort to turn the strait into a geopolitical weapon. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s recent statements envision a “new regional and global order” with Iran wielding control over the Persian Gulf, explicitly threatening to exclude “foreigners” and use the strait’s closure as leverage. The PGSA’s new rules formalize Iran’s claim, seeking to normalize its authority over the strait despite international law and US objections.

The stakes are enormous. The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption or control exerted by Iran can send shockwaves through global energy markets, as seen when oil prices surged following previous closures. US gas prices recently topped $4.50 a gallon, underscoring the economic fallout.

Iran’s move also raises thorny legal and financial questions. The PGSA document hints at potential fees for passage, with reports suggesting charges up to $2 million per vessel. However, US sanctions explicitly forbid payments to Iran or the IRGC for safe passage, putting shipping companies in a bind. Seeking permission from the PGSA might expose operators to US penalties, creating a no-win scenario.

The international community remains on edge as Iran’s assertiveness grows. While countries like India and Pakistan have sought to negotiate transit arrangements, the broader implications threaten to destabilize regional security and global trade. The US government has yet to publicly respond to the PGSA’s new demands, but the message is clear: Iran is weaponizing the strait to strengthen its strategic hand amid ongoing conflict and sanctions.

This latest development exposes the Trump administration’s failure to contain Iran’s ambitions and highlights how foreign conflicts are being exploited to distract from domestic scandals and consolidate authoritarian power. The world cannot ignore Tehran’s escalating brinkmanship in the Strait of Hormuz, where control means leverage over global energy and geopolitical order.