TEHRAN, 21 May. - (ANA) - Iran's "Strait Authority" has declared a “controlled maritime zone” in the Gulf, publishing a map claiming control over the Strait of Hormuz that extends into waters of its Arab neighbours.

 

The body, in a post on X, said vessels transiting the strait must obtain its authorisation and co-ordinate radio frequencies in advance.

 

The claim sits uneasily with international maritime law, which guarantees transit passage through international straits.

 

A map published with the announcement showed a broad shaded area covering much of the strait and surrounding waters.

 

Parts were labelled as under military oversight, but no independently verifiable co-ordinates were provided.

 

The move is seen as leverage for negotiations on ending its war with the US and Israel rather than an enforceable measure. Iran is also subject to a US blockade.

 

Tehran has a well-documented history of making maximalist assertions over Hormuz – through which about a fifth of global oil normally flows – at moments of heightened tension, often using the threat to energy shipping as a bargaining tool in diplomatic disputes.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/21 May 2026 - - -