Iran on Monday formally unveiled a new regulatory body for the Strait of Hormuz, signalling Tehran’s attempt to tighten oversight and coordination over one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.

The new organisation, called the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), was introduced by Iranian officials as a mechanism to oversee maritime transit, vessel movement and shipping coordination in the Strait of Hormuz.

Official X Account Goes Live

Shortly after the announcement, the authority launched its official account on X under the handle @PGSA_IRAN.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also amplified the rollout by reposting the announcement on social media, giving the new body additional political visibility.

“In the Name of God. The official X account of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (#PGSA) is now live. Follow us for real-time updates on the Hormuz Strait operations and latest developments,” the account posted.

At the time of publication, the account had gathered around 22,000 followers.

The account follows several figures linked to Iran’s political and military establishment, including handles associated with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Brigadier General Ali Jahan Shahi and former parliament speaker Ali Larijani.

Tehran Expands Maritime Control

Iranian state-linked media outlets, including Tasnim News Agency and Fars News Agency, reported that the new authority would manage designated shipping routes and coordinate maritime services related to vessel movement through the Strait.

The development comes as Iran has effectively tightened control over maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest energy chokepoints, carrying a major share of global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption to shipping through the route has immediate implications for global energy markets and international trade.

Strategic Signal Amid Regional Crisis

The launch of the new authority appears aimed at projecting institutional control and signalling that Tehran intends to formalise its role in managing maritime traffic during the ongoing regional crisis.

The move is also likely to raise concerns among Western governments and Gulf states already worried about shipping disruptions, rising insurance costs and the broader militarisation of Gulf waterways.

(with inputs from agencies)