conflictThursday, May 21, 2026event May 215 sources

Iran Claims Control Over Strait of Hormuz Waters, Announcing Controlled Maritime Zone

Iran asserts control over the Strait of Hormuz, publishing a map that claims 'armed forces oversight' over more than 22,000 sq km of the waterway. The move comes amid ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, with Iran establishing a controlled maritime zone for ships transiting the strait. The declaration has raised concerns about the security of global shipping routes.

Iran published a map on May 21, 2026, claiming 'armed forces oversight' over more than 22,000 square kilometers of the Strait of Hormuz, according to BBC World. The map was accompanied by a statement from Iran’s Persian Gulf Surveillance Agency, which asserted that ships may pass through Iranian-controlled waters only with permission from the PGSA, as reported by TASS. The claim is part of a broader effort by Iran to assert dominance over the strategic waterway, which is a critical route for global oil shipments.

Where Sources Diverge

BBC reports Iran's map claim with specific area size (22,000 sq km), while other sources do not specify the exact area.

bbc-world

Iran publishes a map claiming 'armed forces oversight' across more than 22,000 sq km of the waterway.

middle-east-eye

Iran announces controlled maritime zone for ships transiting Strait of Hormuz.

rferl

Iran is cementing its control over the Strait of Hormuz, 11 weeks after the start of the war with the United States and Israel.

straits-times

Iran’s Hormuz authority claims control of waters south of UAE port.

tass

According to Iran’s Persian Gulf Surveillance Agency, ships may pass through Iranian-controlled waters only with permission from the PGSA.

Timelines

Sources

PublicRadio Free EuropeMay 21, 06:35 PM
Defying The US, Iran Is Cementing Its Control Over The Strait Of Hormuz

Iran is cementing its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key international shipping route, 11 weeks after the start of the war with the United States and Israel.

PublicBBC WorldMay 21, 05:38 PM
Iran steps up claim to control Strait of Hormuz

Iran publishes a map claiming "armed forces oversight" across more than 22,000 sq km of the waterway.

IndependentStraits TimesMay 21, 12:13 PM
Iran’s Hormuz authority claims control of waters south of UAE port - The Straits Times

Iran’s Hormuz authority claims control of waters south of UAE port  The Straits Times

StateTASSMay 21, 02:33 AM
Iran publishes map of IRGC-controlled area around Hormuz Strait

According to the Iran’s Persian Gulf Surveillance Agency, ships may pass through Iranian-controlled waters only with permission from the PGSA

IndependentMiddle East EyeMay 21, 01:27 AM
Iran announces controlled maritime zone for ships transiting Strait of Hormuz - Middle East Eye

Iran announces controlled maritime zone for ships transiting Strait of Hormuz  Middle East Eye