Iran Formalizes Control Over Strait of Hormuz, Demands Compliance from Merchant Ships

Tehran: Iran has formalized its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which will monitor the movement of ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Under this new arrangement, Tehran has demanded that all merchant ships follow a strict protocol before being allowed to pass. Tehran's protocol requires ships to submit a 40-question declaration about the cargo, ownership, and nationality of the crew. CNN reports that ships that ignore these demands will be at risk of Iranian missile and drone attacks or capture by the Iranian Navy. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy waterways, is located between Iran and Oman. Under this new arrangement, the international waterway's navigation rules were finally changed to US and Israeli control.