Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has announced the creation of a new organization tasked with overseeing activities in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor. This development comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
The newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) will be responsible for managing transit and navigation through this strategic waterway, providing real-time updates on operations and recent developments. The announcement was made public via social media accounts linked to the council and the Revolutionary Guards’ navy.
In a significant development, the PGSA declared that any vessel navigating the Strait of Hormuz without prior authorization would be deemed illegal. The authority emphasized that all maritime movements within the designated boundaries of the strait must be fully coordinated with the Iranian Armed Forces and other relevant bodies.
Describing itself as the official representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for managing passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the PGSA highlighted the strait’s importance as one of the world’s most crucial oil shipping routes. The statement reiterated that unauthorized passage would be considered unlawful under Iran’s military and governmental regulations.
The Supreme National Security Council, chaired by the Supreme Leader’s representative, explained that this measure responds to increased monitoring of shipping activities in this key global energy passage.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed ongoing negotiations with the United States, facilitated by Pakistani mediation. The spokesperson dismissed rumors concerning uranium enrichment and related materials as unfounded, stressing that Iran harbors no hostility toward any regional country. They further remarked that the presence of the United States in the region has contributed to insecurity rather than stability, urging neighboring states to draw lessons from recent events.
In parallel, Gulf nations condemned a series of drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Kuwait and Qatar issued separate statements denouncing drone incursions into Saudi airspace, reportedly launched from Iraq. Kuwait labeled these attacks as violations of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, while Qatar described them as unacceptable aggression against Saudi sovereignty. Both countries expressed solidarity with Riyadh and supported measures to safeguard Saudi territory and citizens.
Oman also condemned a drone strike that ignited a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE, calling for restraint and rejecting all hostile and escalatory actions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the damage near the Barakah facility, warning that assaults on civilian and nuclear infrastructure breach international law.
Separately, former US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated on social media that any potential deployment of American troops to Iran could spark a political revolution within the United States, reaffirming her opposition to foreign military engagements.
