Iran Tightens Control Over Strait of Hormuz as Select Commercial Ships Allowed Passage Under New Security Protocol

Tehran, May 2026 : Iran has intensified its control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, allowing a carefully monitored fleet of commercial vessels to transit the waterway under a newly coordinated security mechanism involving the Iranian Navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

According to a report published by the semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim, the Iranian Navy announced that a fleet of 32 ships successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz after receiving formal permission under a coordinated security arrangement with the IRGC Navy. The fleet reportedly included oil tankers, container ships, and other commercial vessels carrying international cargo through one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

The controlled transit comes amid continuing restrictions imposed by Tehran on regular maritime movement through the narrow waterway, which handles a significant portion of global oil and energy shipments. Iranian authorities have maintained strict oversight over vessel movements in the region, with approvals reportedly being granted only after individual security assessments by the IRGC and related maritime agencies.

The selective clearance of ships has triggered international attention and raised concerns over whether Iran intends to impose additional financial or regulatory conditions on commercial maritime traffic using the strategic chokepoint.

Responding to reports that Iran was charging vessels for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei on Monday denied that Tehran was imposing a “toll” on ships. However, he acknowledged that costs linked to maritime security, monitoring, and environmental protection services were natural and necessary under the new system being developed jointly with Oman.

Speaking during a weekly press briefing, Baghaei stated that Iran and Oman were working together to establish a structured protocol to ensure the safe movement of ships through the waterway. He described the initiative as a “responsible step” aimed at balancing international maritime trade with regional security requirements.

“We are not trying to impose a toll,” Baghaei said, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB. “Iran and Oman’s work to develop a protocol for the safe passage of ships is a responsible step. It is natural that fees are required for the services provided and for the protection of the environment.”

Iranian officials have argued that the current restrictions and enhanced monitoring measures are necessary due to past military tensions and security threats in the Gulf region. Baghaei alleged that the Strait of Hormuz had previously been “misused” for military aggression against Iran, an apparent reference to past US naval actions and sanctions-related tensions involving Iranian shipping routes.

He stressed that both Iran and Oman support the continued use of the Strait of Hormuz for free trade and secure international navigation, while also insisting that regional security concerns cannot be ignored.

“We must consider our own security and also pay attention to the concerns of the global community,” the spokesperson said. “Iran and Oman believe in the use of this strait for free trade and safe passage.”

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors, connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters through the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A large percentage of global crude oil exports passes through the narrow channel every day, making any disruption or restriction in the area a major concern for international energy markets and global shipping companies.

Iran has recently accelerated efforts to formalise and institutionalise its control over maritime operations linked to the strait. Earlier this month, Tehran announced the launch of a new regulatory body known as the Persian Gulf Straits Authority (PGSA), which has been tasked with managing and monitoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The announcement was amplified by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council through social media, confirming that the official account of the new authority had become operational. The PGSA described itself as a dedicated mechanism for providing operational updates and overseeing developments related to shipping activities in the strategic waterway.

In a statement shared online, the authority said: “The official X account of the Persian Gulf Straits Authority (#PGSA) is now live. Follow us for real-time updates on operations and latest developments in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Iranian officials maintain that the new maritime framework is intended to improve safety, coordination, and environmental oversight in the region. However, analysts believe the move also reflects Tehran’s broader effort to strengthen its strategic leverage over one of the world’s most important energy transit routes amid continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Team Maverick.