Iran has implemented a new protocol requiring detailed vessel information for transit through the Strait of Hormuz in a bid to formalize control of the vital waterway, which processed roughly one-fifth of global oil exports before it was closed by the Iranian regime at the start of the conflict with the United States on February 28.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, established by Iran, has distributed a “Vessel Information Declaration” form to shipping operators. The document, which was shared with media outlets including CNN, mandates submission of data such as vessel name, identification number, previous names, country of origin and destination, nationalities of registered owners, operators, and crew members, as well as cargo details.
Applications must be emailed to the authority in advance, with warnings that incomplete or inaccurate information could result in unspecified consequences for the applicant.
The measure builds on Iran’s earlier restrictions during the conflict. Prior to the escalation involving United States and Israeli military actions against Iranian targets, the strait operated under international norms allowing unrestricted passage for vessels of any origin.
Following the outbreak of hostilities, Iran declared the waterway subject to its control through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, threatening action against ships lacking permission. A limited number of vessels from countries including India and Pakistan have transited after diplomatic arrangements, but the majority of operators have avoided the route due to security risks.
Iranian leadership has described the new framework as part of a broader strategy for regional management. Statements attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei have referenced the creation of “new legal frameworks and management of the Strait of Hormuz” to benefit neighboring states and generate economic returns
A Telegram post from the leader’s account outlined a vision for a “new regional and global order” centered on the strategic use of the strait’s leverage. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority’s communications further specified that transit requests will receive follow-up instructions via email.
The protocol aligns with Iran’s stated intent to treat the strait as a managed asset following the conflict. Iranian leaders have previously issued demands for payments, potentially reaching up to $2 million per vessel, payable in Iranian rials through Iranian banks.
The United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued guidance stating that such payments would not be authorized for U.S. persons or entities, including foreign subsidiaries. The Trump Administration has added that sanctions will be applied against any entities that pay Iranian tolls to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Ongoing discussions over the strait remain a key sticking point as the U.S. and Iran continue to negotiate a lasting peace agreement.
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