Tehran: Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle-East, Iran on Monday announced the formation of a new body that would manage the Strait of Hormuz. Iran closed the waterway ever since its war with the US broke out. The US too announced that it would not allow ships offering toll to Iran to pass through the waterway, triggering tensions between both countries further.
Days after launching the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), Iran announced on Monday that it would provide “real‑time updates on the #Hormuz_Strait operations and latest developments.” The latest announcement was made after Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, announced that Tehran “has prepared a professional mechanism to manage traffic” through the strait.
Task yet to be announced
However, the task of the newly formed group has not yet been announced. The country’s broadcaster announced that Tehran would constitute “system to exercise sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz” and that ships passing through the strait were sent “regulations” through email.
In recent times, Iran has blocked shipping through the waterway. A large number of ships carry crude oil gas and other valuables across the globe through this route. After its blockade by Iran, there have been massive crises of crude oil and gas in several parts of the world, also impacting prices of various commodities.
Iran responds to US’ latest proposal
In the meantime, Iran has responded the US’ latest proposal to end war. Issuing a statement, Washington said that exchanges continued even as Tehran called Washington’s demands as excessive. According to Iran’s Fars news agency, the US had presented a five-point list. Among these included Tehran’s demand to keep only one nuclear site in operation and transfer its stockpile of uranium to the US, which was rejected.
The latest development comes after Trump’s fresh threats to strike Iran, after concluding his China trip. Taking to Social Truth, he wrote. “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!”