Iran claims control over 22,000 sq km of Strait of Hormuz amid US blockade tensions
Tehran’s expanded map claims military authority over key trade routes, drawing sharp rebukes from Gulf states and the United States while US forces board suspected blockade-runners.
Iran has published a map asserting military oversight across more than 22,000 square kilometres of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that extends into the territorial waters of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The newly established "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" states that all transit through the waterway requires coordination with and authorisation from its body, an attempt to formalise Tehran’s sovereignty over the critical trade route.
The United Arab Emirates has dismissed the claims as unrealistic, with diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash describing them as "fragments of dreams." Gargash stated that Iran is attempting to consecrate a reality born from "clear military defeat," asserting that any encroachment on UAE maritime sovereignty is baseless. The United States has similarly instructed ships not to comply with Iranian rules, maintaining that the strait remains a global commons for navigation.
This diplomatic escalation coincides with active enforcement of the US blockade on Iranian ports, which commenced on 13 April. The US Central Command reported that it has redirected 91 commercial ships since the blockade began. On Wednesday, US forces boarded the oil tanker Celestial Sea in the Gulf of Oman, suspecting it of violating the blockade by attempting to transit toward an Iranian port.
Footage released by the Central Command showed US marines rappelling onto the deck of the Celestial Sea. The vessel, which has previously been sanctioned under a different name for its links with Iran, was released after a search and was directed to alter its course. Tracking data indicates the ship is now reporting its destination as the port of Duqm in Oman.
Tensions were further highlighted by footage published by media linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which claimed to show a "punishment" strike on a tanker. BBC Verify analysis matched key characteristics of the vessel in the footage with the Barakah, a Liberian-flagged ship that reported being struck by unknown projectiles in early May.
Amidst the military posturing, diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation. US President Donald Trump stated he has delayed a planned military attack on Iran at the request of leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, citing ongoing negotiations. Concurrently, Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir is visiting Tehran to mediate peace efforts between Iran and the United States.
The Iranian foreign ministry confirmed it is reviewing the latest proposals from the US to end the conflict. President Trump indicated he could wait a few days for Tehran to agree to a new deal but warned that failure to secure the right answers could lead to a rapid resumption of attacks.
