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Iran attempts to seize control of vital Strait of Hormuz trade route

The rogue regime is demanding authorization for all maritime transit, but the U.S. and regional allies are standing firm against the blatant power grab.

Foreign PolicyPublished May 21, 2026 at 2:37 PMProcessed May 21, 2026 at 3:31 PM
An image with BBC Verify branding of an Iranian speedboat

The Iranian regime is once again threatening global commerce, attempting to assert military control over the Strait of Hormuz through a newly formed 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority.' By publishing a map claiming oversight of over 22,000 square kilometers—including the territorial waters of Oman and the UAE—Tehran is demanding that all vessels coordinate with and receive authorization from their forces.

The UAE has rightfully dismissed these claims as 'fragments of dreams.' While Iran continues to ignore the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the United States and its allies have made it clear that ships should not comply with these illegal Iranian demands.

This provocation follows recent U.S. military action, where Marines boarded the tanker Celestial Sea to enforce a blockade against Iranian ports. As the U.S. continues to intercept vessels violating sanctions, the message remains clear: the international community will not allow a hostile regime to dictate the terms of global maritime transit.

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iranstrait-of-hormuzforeign-policynational-security

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