Iran forms Hormuz Strait authority, demands coordination from vessels
The Strait of Hormuz is through which nearly 20% of global oil trade passes; any disruption affects India's crude oil imports and energy prices significantly. The formation of a new Iranian authority to regulate and potentially charge vessels raises questions about freedom of navigation, UNCLOS provisions, and great-power rivalry in the Persian Gulf. This is directly relevant to India's foreign policy, energy security debates, and global economic stability.
Key facts
- Iran has formed the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to manage the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Strait of Hormuz is approximately 33 km wide at its narrowest point and connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
- Nearly 20% of global oil trade (about 17-21 million barrels per day) passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran is demanding coordination from vessels and has reportedly imposed transit charges—a move challenging freedom of navigation norms.
- PGSA will provide real-time updates on Strait operations, signalling institutionalisation of Iranian control.
- India imports a significant share of its crude oil from Gulf nations; any closure or toll regime directly impacts Indian energy costs.
Iran has formed a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively closed and wants to charge ships to traverse. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) will provide 'real-time updates on the #Hormuz_Strait operations and latest developments'.
Concepts to know
A narrow strait between Iran and Oman connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea; approximately 20% of global petroleum and 25% of LNG passes through it, making it a critical global energy chokepoint that Iran can threaten to blockade.
The international legal framework governing maritime rights and freedoms. Attacking a civilian vessel on the high seas without a declared war would likely violate UNCLOS provisions on freedom of navigation and innocent passage.
The right of ships to pass through international waters unimpeded, enshrined in UNCLOS. US strikes on commercial vessels raise questions about violations of this principle and international maritime law.
A country's ability to secure reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supplies. For India, diversifying uranium and fossil fuel sources from partners like Canada is a strategic priority given domestic energy deficits.
A narrow strategic waterway through which a disproportionately large volume of global trade or energy resources passes, making it geopolitically sensitive. Examples include Strait of Hormuz, Malacca, and Bab-el-Mandeb.
A newly established Iranian body tasked with managing and regulating maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including real-time operational updates and enforcement of coordination requirements on passing vessels.
Linked previous-year questions
The UPSC questions this story connects to.
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe. Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I. (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect. (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
- a.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. ✓
- b.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
- c.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
- d.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
International Relations · UPSC 2024With reference to Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills. 2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- a.1 only
- b.2 only
- c.Both 1 and 2
- d.Neither 1 nor 2 ✓
International Relations · UPSC 2015With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: 1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention. 2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. 3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
- a.1 and 2 only
- b.2 and 3 only
- c.1 and 3 only
- d.1, 2 and 3 ✓
International Relations · UPSC 2022Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy. 2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- a.1 only
- b.2 only ✓
- c.Both 1 and 2
- d.Neither 1 nor 2
International Relations · UPSC 2017Assertion (A): At first, the Turkish administration in India was essentially military. Reason (R): The country was parcelled out as 'Iqtas' among leading military leaders. (a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A (b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A (c) A is true but R is false (d) A is false but R is true
- a.Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A ✓
- b.Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
- c.A is true but R is false
- d.A is false but R is true
History · UPSC 1998Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following? 1. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia. 2. Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- a.1 only
- b.2 only ✓
- c.Both 1 and 2
- d.Neither 1 nor 2
Geography · UPSC 2011
Get the full brief — free
Every story syllabus-mapped, the exact NCERT page to revise, a daily MCQ quiz and more — start free, no card needed.
Start free →