By Suleman Chitera

Iran has announced the establishment of a controlled maritime zone in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, declaring that all vessels passing through the waterway must now receive authorization from a newly created body known as the Persian Gulf Strait Authority.

Iran Signals Escalation with Strait of Hormuz Warning, Raising Global Alarm

The move marks a major escalation in tensions across the Middle East, coming months after military strikes launched against Iran by the United States and Israel.Thom Mpinganjira ndi wokondwa ndi wanderers

On Wednesday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it successfully coordinated the safe passage of 26 cargo ships and oil tankers through the Strait. Among the vessels was reportedly the first shipment of Middle Eastern oil bound for South Korea since the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel intensified nearly three months ago.NBM commits K20 million for SKC Foundation Golf fundraiser

Iranian authorities are reportedly imposing transit charges of up to $2 million per vessel for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Payments are allegedly being accepted in Chinese Yuan or Bitcoin, signaling Tehran’s continued efforts to bypass Western financial systems and sanctions.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, with nearly a fifth of global petroleum supplies passing through the narrow channel linking the Persian Gulf to international markets. Any disruption in the area has the potential to trigger sharp increases in global oil prices and heightened instability in international shipping markets.

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Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry says it is reviewing the latest peace proposal submitted by the United States. The development follows comments by U.S. President , who said he was prepared to delay planned military action against Iran for “a few days” while awaiting Tehran’s response.Diplomatic Passport Scandal in Malawi: Questions Surrounding Nir Gess and Abuse of State Privileges

International observers warn that the situation could significantly impact global energy security, maritime trade and diplomatic relations in the Gulf region if tensions continue to rise.