Amid the US-Iran clashes, which began early this year, Iran is formulating a new framework in the maritime region. Under this, the ships going to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will receive instructions electronically from the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA). Through this new system, the Ships will start receiving navigation routes and information on transit conditions, according to Business World.
Iran has declared this system as a “ “sovereign governance system” over the passage”. This decision comes during a time when the US is showing their dominance through the stationing of warships in the region and not following the ceasefire agreed upon by the two countries.
The Iranian State Channel, Press TV, further reported that new legislation is being planned that would restrict Israeli and US vessels from passing through the Strait.
An increase in the monitoring of movement through the Strait is also being ensured by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, who have warned Commercial ships to remain within a “designated maritime border”. Any deviation from these rules could lead to Military Action.
According to an article by the New York Times, 1600 ships with 20,000 crew members onboard are currently present in the Strait waiting to travel out of the waterway. The US is trying to help ships in the area navigate out of it, even though the Iranian Government had announced not to move without their permission. A Vessel named ‘Alliance Fairfax’, owned by Maersk, was the ship that transited the area with US assistance. This mission is being conducted by the US Navy under “Project Freedom”.
The US Central Command stated that the US Navy shot down missiles, drones and 6 speed boats that were launched to attack the vessels, which were being escorted by the US Navy ships in the Strait.
This demonstration of control could prove detrimental to the US and Israel, as they would have to start depending on Ships from other countries for trade through the region, unless an agreement is reached to end the conflict indefinitely.
