Iran has announced it is expanding its control over the Strait of Hormuz into foreign territory, angering neighbouring countries.
A map defining its claim for the new area, stretching into the coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, has been published by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, an Iranian body established to oversee maritime traffic.
“Transit in this zone for passage through the Strait of Hormuz requires co-ordination with the Persian Gulf Strait Authority and permission from this entity,” the authority said.
Iran’s push to establish permanent territorial gains comes as its leaders attempt to strengthen their negotiating position with the United States in peace talks.
Ebrahim Azizi, an Iranian MP, said Iran had prepared “a professional mechanism for managing traffic” through the strait.
