Iran Expands Military Control Claims Over Strait of Hormuz
Iran has announced a significant expansion of the maritime area around the Strait of Hormuz over which it asserts military control, aiming to reinforce its sovereignty over this vital international trade route.
A map released by Iran's newly established "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" indicates "Iranian armed forces oversight" spanning more than 22,000 square kilometers (8,800 square miles).
This claimed zone extends into the territorial waters of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE has rejected Iran's claims, describing them as "nothing but fragments of dreams."
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority further stated that all transit through the strait "requires coordination with and authorization from the Persian Gulf Strait Authority."
International Reactions and Legal Context
The United States and Gulf allies have consistently opposed Iranian efforts to assert control over the strait. The US government has instructed vessels to disregard Iran's imposed regulations.
Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, commented on Iran's claims:
"Iran is trying to consecrate a new reality born from a clear military defeat, but attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz or encroach on the UAE's maritime sovereignty are nothing but fragments of dreams."
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ships are guaranteed safe passage through another country's waters. However, Iran has not ratified this convention.
Recent Incidents and Military Actions
Media affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently released footage purportedly showing a "punishment" strike on a tanker in the strait.
BBC Verify's analysis identified key features of the vessel in the footage as matching the Barakah, a Liberian-flagged tanker that reported being struck by unknown projectiles in early May, according to its operators.
Iran's efforts to assert greater control over the Strait of Hormuz coincide with a recent US military operation involving an Iran-bound oil tanker.
On Wednesday, US forces boarded the tanker Celestial Sea in the Gulf of Oman, suspecting it of violating the American blockade of Iranian ports. The US Central Command (Centcom) released footage showing US marines rappelling from a helicopter onto the ship's deck.
Centcom stated the vessel was "suspected of attempting to violate the US blockade by transiting toward an Iranian port."
According to maritime risk management company Vanguard, "US forces subsequently released the vessel after conducting a search and directing the crew to alter course."
The Celestial Sea has previously been sanctioned by the US under a former name due to its links with Iran.
MarineTraffic tracking data indicates the ship is currently reporting its destination as the port of Duqm in Oman.
Since the US blockade of Iranian ports began on 13 April, Centcom reported redirecting 94 commercial ships and disabling four vessels as of Thursday.
Diplomatic Developments and Mediation Efforts
On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced he was postponing a planned military strike on Iran scheduled for the following day, at the request of Gulf states, citing ongoing serious negotiations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he had been asked to delay the attack by the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's military chief, General Asim Munir, is reported to be visiting Tehran on Thursday to facilitate peace efforts between Iran and the US.
Iranian state media confirmed that General Munir will continue discussions with senior Iranian officials.
The Iranian foreign ministry announced it is reviewing the latest proposals from the US aimed at ending the conflict.
President Trump indicated a willingness to wait a few days for Tehran to accept the new deal but also expressed readiness to resume military action if necessary.
"Believe me, if we don't get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We're all ready to go," the president said.
Additional reporting by Alex Murray
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