Is Iran’s new control over Hormuz a big sign for global shipping? Is there any big strategy hidden behind 48 hours prior permission and mandatory registration? What does the sudden increase in ship traffic indicate after the US-Iran agreement? What impact will the new regulations have on the oil market and global trade on this route that supplies 20% of the world’s energy?
Dubai/Tehran: After the historic agreement between America and Iran, the world had just breathed a sigh of relief when a big news has come out from the strategically important ‘Strait of Hormuz’. Iran has suddenly imposed new and tougher rules for ships passing through this narrow waterway, considered a lifeline for global trade. Although this route is currently free, Iran’s move has created a new suspense among maritime security agencies and business houses.
Formation of new authority ‘PGSA’: Mysterious notice issued on social media
Iran has overnight formed a new body ‘Persian Gulf Strait Authority’ (PGSA) to strictly monitor this vital waterway. This new Iranian authority has created a sensation by issuing an official notice on the social media platform X (earlier Twitter). According to the notice, after the signing of the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)’, now only those ships will be allowed to pass through the strait, which will fulfill the strict conditions set by them and get registered first.
Deadline 48 hours ago: What does Iran want to hide in the form?
According to new rules issued by Iran, every commercial ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz will be required to fill a detailed form at least 48 hours before entering the area. In this form, name of the ship, its flag, IMO number, dead weight capacity, draft, type of cargo, name of the real owner of the ship and complete horoscope of the management company are sought. The question arising is whether Iran wants to further strengthen its military and strategic hold on this route through this information?
Traffic at highest level in two months: Entry of 25 ships increased traffic
The latest data released by maritime tracking firm AXSMarine has shocked everyone. Commercial shipping traffic on this waterway has suddenly reached its highest level in two months, soon after the agreement between the US and Iran. Recently, a record 25 commercial vessels passed through the narrow waterway in a single day, the highest number since mid-April. On normal days, about 20 percent of the world’s energy (oil and gas) is supplied through this narrow route, due to which the increase in this traffic is very important for the global economy.
Fear of mines and that secret agreement of Trump-Pezeshkian
There is a creepy flashback behind this entire incident. On February 28 this year, when America and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran, shipping in this entire waterway came to a complete halt. To end this war, an agreement (MoU) was signed between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezheshkian, after which it was reopened. Iran has made it clear that under the agreement, it will not charge any taxes or fees for the next 60 days and will work to remove the mines laid under water. What will happen after this 60 days free period is over? Will Iran establish complete control over this route? This suspense has once again focused the eyes of the whole world on the Persian Gulf.