Iran introduced new rules for vessels seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, demanding authorisation and payment of a toll.
“The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has already introduced a new framework requiring ships to obtain transit authorisation and pay tolls before sailing,” said shipping journal Lloyd’s List.
The PGSA sent a form, titled “Vessel Information Declaration”, to Lloyd’s List, which contained 40 questions requiring vessels to disclose their name, identification number, previous name if any, country of origin and destination, nationalities of the vessel’s registered owners, operators and crew, and details of the cargo. The journal frequently provides news and intelligence on shipping and maritime trade.
The move is part of the broader Iranian mission to excercise sovereignity over the economically critical maritime passage.
According to the PGSA, the form must be filled out with “complete and accurate information” and emailed to the authority before vessels can pass through the strait. After processing the requests, further instructions would be communicated through emails.
The authority warned that any misinformation or omission in the form will be the sole responsibility of the applicant and could lead to consequences.
The Iranian army also made it clear that countries supporting the U.S sanctions against the Islamic Republic would face difficulties crossing the strait.
Army official Mohammad Akraminia spoke to state news agency IRNA on Sunday, “Countries that comply with the United States by imposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran will certainly face difficulties crossing the strait.”
“We have established a new legal and security system in the Strait of Hormuz. From now on, any vessel wishing to pass through it must coordinate with us,” he said.
He asserted that the new system would bring “economic, security, and political gains.”
Head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission Ebrahim Azizi made a similar statement on X on Saturday.
“We warn governments, including microstates like Bahrain, that siding with the US-backed resolution will bring severe consequences. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital lifeline; do not risk closing it on yourselves forever,” the post read.
