Iran Expands Military Control Zone Around Strait of Hormuz
Iran has announced a major expansion of its claimed military control zone.
A Bold New Claim
The area is around the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says this move asserts its sovereignty over the key trade route. A map published by Iran’s newly-created “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” shows the new zone. It claims “Iranian armed forces oversight” across more than 22,000 sq km. That area extends into the territorial waters of Oman and the UAE.
UAE Rejects the Claim
The UAE described Iran’s claims of control as “nothing but fragments of dreams”. Iran’s new authority added that all transit through the strait “requires coordination with and authorization from” the new body.The US and Gulf allies have repeatedly rejected Iranian attempts to assert control over the strait. Washington has told ships not to comply with Iran’s rules.
