Iran Strengthens Control Over Hormuz Strait With New Authority and Toll System Iran has intensified its grip on the strategic Strait of Hormuz by establishing a new authority to manage checkpoints and impose tolls on maritime traffic. This move comes amid ongoing tensions with the United States and aims to bolster Iran’s economic and geopolitical influence in the region. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a newly formed body, oversees the regulation of vessels passing through the strait, collecting fees and gathering data on cargo, flags, and destinations. The initiative includes the implementation of tolls on ships, with some vessels facing fees as high as two million dollars. Iran’s goal is to generate $10 billion in revenue annually through this system, which also serves to assert its dominance over the critical waterway. The strait, a vital route for global oil shipments, sees approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil transit through its waters. Iran’s actions have disrupted the flow of maritime traffic, with reports indicating a significant decline in the number of ships passing through the strait compared to pre-conflict levels. A notable example of the toll system’s impact is the case of the tanker Agios Fanourios-I, which was detained near Dubai in April 2023. After negotiating a deal with Iran, the vessel was allowed to proceed through the strait, but its journey took two days instead of the usual five hours. Analysts note that the number of ships traversing the strait dropped sharply during this period, with fewer than 60 vessels passing through between April 18 and May 6, compared to the pre-war average of 120-140 ships per day. The toll system has also contributed to rising oil prices, as uncertainty and delays in shipping routes have disrupted global markets.#iran #united_states #strait_of_hormuz #persian_gulf_strait_authority #agios_fanourios_i
Iran-US Conflict Escalates with Military Deployments and Ceasefire Tensions Military Alliances and Deployments Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, along with 16 JF-17 fighter jets and HQ-9 air defense systems, to Saudi Arabia under a bilateral defense agreement. These forces are operated by Pakistani troops, with Saudi Arabia covering operational costs. The move comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S., with Pakistan positioning itself as a regional power balancing its relationships. Despite the deployment, neither Pakistan’s military nor its foreign ministry has issued an official statement confirming the action. Iran’s Strategic Moves in the Persian Gulf Iran has announced the creation of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a new body tasked with monitoring maritime traffic and providing real-time updates on the Hormuz Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments. The agency aims to strengthen Iran’s control over the strait, which accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas transit. Additionally, Iran plans to introduce an insurance system for ships navigating the strait, with payments potentially accepted in cryptocurrency. Regional Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises In Gaza, six Irish individuals, including Dr. Margaret Connelly (the wife of Ireland’s president), were detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian flotilla attempt to deliver aid. The group claimed they were unlawfully arrested and held in an Israeli jail. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, has called for diplomatic efforts to halt the Israel-Lebanon conflict, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire, troop withdrawals, and aid for displaced civilians. Economic and Political Fallout in the U.S. Public opinion in the U.S. has turned sharply against President Trump’s Iran policy.#pakistan #iran #saudi_arabia #lebanon #persian_gulf_strait_authority
