Persian Gulf Strait Authority X Account [X Capture]

The X account for the 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority' (PGSA), reportedly established by the Iranian government to manage navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, was created on the 18th (local time).

At noon on the same day, a post in English and Persian appeared on this account stating, "In the name of God, the official X account of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) is now active. Follow for real-time updates on navigation and the latest developments in the Strait of Hormuz."

The account description also reads, 'Official Account of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority' in both English and Persian.

Approximately four hours after the first post, a warning was issued on the account: "The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) is a controlling body for the management of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the legal representative body of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Navigation within the designated zones of the Strait of Hormuz, as previously established by Iranian military authorities and officials, must be fully coordinated with this authority, and unauthorized passage will be considered illegal."

While the authenticity of this account has not been cross-verified, the X accounts of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy followed this account and retweeted its posts.

Previously, on the 7th, AP, CNN, and other news outlets reported that the Iranian government was planning to launch the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to formalize its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

CNN reported that this authority had notified the maritime industry that all vessels must compulsorily fill out a 'Vessel Information Declaration' form to ensure safe passage.

According to documents obtained by CNN, the form distributed to shipping companies consists of over 40 items, requiring vessels to report their name, identification number, country of departure, and destination. It also demands the nationality of the shipowner and operator, the nationality of the crew, and detailed information about the cargo. Notably, it requires the vessel's past names to be listed. Vessels must submit this information via email to the Iranian authorities before transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has consistently demanded that the United States recognize its 'sovereign rights' over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Iran should determine whether passage through the strait is permitted.

During a press conference on the same day, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated, "We are in practical consultations with the government of Oman (a coastal state of the Strait of Hormuz) to establish a new mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz."

He also claimed that a 'transit fee' for the Strait of Hormuz, while not the core issue, would be legitimate.

"It is naturally possible for the coastal states of the strait to collect certain fees for the services they provide, such as navigation services, navigation safety management, and marine environmental protection," he said, adding, "The essence of this measure is to ensure safe passage through the strait while simultaneously safeguarding Iran's national security, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty."

He further stated, "This matter not only has a legal basis but also involves Iran and Oman, the two coastal states, establishing a mechanism based on international law and customs to ensure safe and innocent passage through the strait. Naturally, costs will be incurred in implementing such measures, which is acceptable on an international level."