The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has apparently closed the Strait of Hormuz once again. The reason is said to be the Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Tehran justifies the move on the grounds of continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon. From Iran’s perspective, these would constitute a breach of the recently signed agreement between the US and Iran. Another reason cited is that the United States has not yet fully lifted its naval blockade against Iran.
In a message broadcast via a maritime radio channel, ships in the region are said to have been instructed not to approach the strait. According to the report, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until both conditions have been met. Ships that defy the order will be attacked.
It has not yet been possible to obtain independent confirmation of these reports. According to independent Iranian journalists, small boats belonging to the Revolutionary Guards are said to have already fired warning shots at vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.
This renewed escalation comes shortly after the agreement between Washington and Tehran, which was intended to gradually restore transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had previously announced that it would suspend fees for the use of the strait during a 60-day negotiation period.
PGSA requires ships to register passages in advance
Meanwhile, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), established by Iran, is requiring ships to register their passages through the Strait of Hormuz in advance. In a recent statement, the authority refers to the so-called Islamabad MoU and to instructions from the relevant authorities.
Accordingly, ships are to submit their passage applications via the PGSA’s website during the period specified in the MoU. An email address for the authority is provided as the official point of contact for enquiries. According to the PGSA, applications that comply with the requirements will be processed promptly and authorised for passage.
The authority requires that applications include valid and contactable contact details for the vessel in question. To avoid delays when entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, complete applications containing all necessary information must be submitted at least 48 hours before arrival in the maritime area.
According to the PGSA, no fees for safety, security and environmental services, or for associated Iranian insurance, will be charged to shipowners for a period of 60 days. The costs, which have not been specified in detail, would therefore be borne by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Furthermore, the PGSA draws attention to mined areas and the need to ensure safe passage and avoid collisions. Consequently, coordination of the intended route and the planned passage time window is mandatory for every vessel before approaching the strait. According to the statement, responsibility for non-compliance lies with the shipowner.
