Iran Claims Control Over Strait of Hormuz, Raises Global Concerns

Tehran, May 2026 : Iran has declared that it is exercising full control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, stating that no vessel can pass through the route without its permission.

Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said that controlling the strait is an “inherent right” of the country, adding that Iran had not fully enforced this authority for years. He explained that the responsibility for overseeing the waterway is currently shared between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the western section and the national army in the eastern section.

He stressed that both friendly and hostile vessels would require authorization to pass, signaling a stricter approach to managing the crucial maritime corridor.

The move comes amid rising tensions in the region. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Ghanbari said that several countries have urgently contacted Iran, requesting permission for their ships to transit through the strait. These developments point to increasing global concern over potential disruptions to trade and energy supplies.

Iran began tightening its control over the strait on February 28, following joint military strikes on its territory by the United States and Israel. In response, Tehran restricted passage for vessels linked to these countries, escalating the situation further.

At the same time, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei described the current phase as the beginning of a “new chapter” in the Persian Gulf. In a message marking National Persian Gulf Day, he announced plans for a new legal framework and management system for the Strait of Hormuz.

He said the new framework would promote development and stability in the region while ensuring economic benefits for all surrounding nations. Khamenei also criticized foreign involvement in the Persian Gulf, highlighting what he described as a history of external interference and conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, with a large share of global oil supplies passing through it every day. Iran’s assertion of control is likely to have significant implications for global trade, energy markets, and regional security.

As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains closely watched by countries around the world due to the strait’s vital importance to international commerce.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)