Iran Publishes Map Claiming Control Over Part of Strait of Hormuz

Iran has published a map claiming military oversight across more than 22,000 square kilometers of the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. The map was issued by Iran's newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority. It extends into the territorial waters of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

The authority stated that all transit through the strait requires coordination with and authorization from the body. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, ships are guaranteed safe passage through another country's waters, though Iran has not ratified the convention.

Media linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps published footage this week showing what it claimed was a strike on a tanker in the strait. BBC Verify analysis found that key characteristics of the vessel match Barakah, a Liberian-flagged tanker that reported being struck by unknown projectiles in early May.

US forces boarded an Iran-bound oil tanker on Wednesday in the Gulf of Oman. The US military's Central Command said the ship was suspected of violating the American blockade of Iranian ports. Central Command said it has redirected 91 commercial ships since the blockade came into effect on 13 April.

The vessel, previously known as Celestial Sea, is now reporting its destination as the port of Duqm in Oman.