TEHRAN: Iran has introduced a new system to manage the movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing tensions with the United States.
According to reports from Iranian state media, ships wishing to pass through the strategic waterway will now receive instructions via an email address linked to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, outlining the rules and regulations for transit.
Vessels will be required to comply with these regulations before being granted passage. The move comes as Iran tightens its control over maritime traffic in the Strait, a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments.
Tensions in the region have escalated since February 28, when conflicts between the United States and Israel heightened security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has imposed strict navigation restrictions, creating uncertainty and conflicting measures for commercial shipping in the area.
This latest development reflects Tehran’s intent to assert authority over one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes while navigating mounting international pressure.
US threatens strong response if Iran attacks commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz
Earlier, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has warned Iran that it will have to deal with the consequences of an attack on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, Washington is not looking for war with Tehran but is ready to take steps in order to ensure safe shipping lanes for all countries.
Speaking to the press, Hegseth pointed out that despite the claims by Tehran, it does not have any control over the strategically important passage. “Iran will face the whole might of the US army if it attacks any commercial vessels,” he declared.
Operation Project Freedom only intends to restore the Strait of Hormuz to its previous glory. Hegseth asked Japan and South Korea to join them in the quest. “Our objective is to put an end to the illegal domination of Iran over the Strait of Hormuz and provide protection to ships against Iranian threats,” he explained.
Hegseth dismissed the proposals of Iran, describing them as “a form of international blackmail.”
US Military Prepared for Major Actions
Joining Hegseth, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Cane said that American forces are prepared for large-scale operations against Iran if necessary. He claimed that Iran’s command and control centres have already been targeted and stressed that the situation has not yet escalated to full-scale war.
General Cane noted that President Trump authorized the launch of Project Freedom on Sunday, highlighting that the operation’s primary goal is to restore commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The statements come amid growing tensions in the region, as the US seeks to secure one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints against perceived Iranian aggression.
