By Our Correspondent

National News – Iran has intensified its claim over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz by expanding the area it says falls under Iranian military oversight.

The move was announced through a newly established authority overseeing the Persian Gulf strait and comes amid growing tensions involving the United States, Gulf nations and regional shipping activities.

Iran published a map claiming control over more than 22,000 square kilometres of waters around the Strait of Hormuz, including areas close to the territorial waters of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

According to Iranian officials, vessels passing through the route must now coordinate movements with its newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority.

The development has triggered strong reactions from Gulf leaders.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash dismissed the claims, describing them as unrealistic and accusing Tehran of trying to impose a new regional order following recent military setbacks.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s busiest oil shipping lanes, linking the Persian Gulf to global markets.

International maritime laws under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea guarantee safe passage through such waters, although Iran has never formally ratified the agreement.

Tensions further escalated after Iran-linked media released footage allegedly showing a strike on a commercial tanker identified as Barakah.

At the same time, the US military confirmed its forces boarded an Iran-bound tanker, Celestial Sea, in the Gulf of Oman over suspected sanctions violations before redirecting the vessel.

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump said planned military action against Iran had been delayed following requests from Gulf leaders seeking diplomatic negotiations instead of conflict escalation.