Iran’s top security body has officially announced the creation of a new authority to manage the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a move that comes amid rising tensions with the United States and ongoing restrictions on shipping through the key waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical trade routes and carries nearly 20% of global energy supplies. Iran’s latest step is expected to further increase pressure on global markets already affected by the conflict.

The new body, called the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), was launched on May 6. On Monday, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed its formation and said the authority would provide “real-time updates on the #Hormuz_Strait operations and latest” developments. The announcement came after Ebrahim Azizi, who heads the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, said Iran “has prepared a professional mechanism to manage traffic" through the strait.

While Iranian authorities have not fully explained the exact role of the new organisation, Iranian state media earlier described it as a “system to exercise sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz". Reports also claimed that ships moving through the route were being sent “regulations" through email. Tehran has also demanded that ships pay tolls for transit through the waterway.

Iran has largely blocked shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israeli strikes carried out on February 28. Tehran’s control over the route has increased concerns across international energy markets and added pressure on global oil supply chains. At the same time, the United States has imposed its own naval blockade on Iranian ports, further deepening the standoff between the two sides.

The development comes as Iran and the United States continue indirect exchanges over a possible agreement to end the conflict. On Monday, Iran confirmed that it had responded to a fresh US peace proposal. Iranian officials said discussions were continuing despite strong criticism in Iranian media over Washington’s demands.

Iran’s Fars news agency reported on Sunday that the United States had presented a five-point proposal during negotiations. According to the report, one of the key demands was for Iran to keep only one nuclear facility operational. The proposal also reportedly asked Tehran to transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States. However, the report claimed Washington had refused to release “even 25%" of Iran’s frozen financial assets and had also rejected paying any compensation for damage caused during the conflict.

During a media briefing on Monday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that Iran had conveyed its concerns to Washington through mediators. “As we announced yesterday, our concerns were conveyed to the American side," he said. Baqaei added that communication between both countries was continuing through Pakistani mediation channels.

He also defended Iran’s demands during the talks and stressed that Tehran’s position had remained unchanged throughout the negotiations. “The points raised are Iranian demands that have been firmly defended by the Iranian negotiating team in every round of negotiations," he said. Baqaei further described the ongoing conflict as “illegal and baseless" and repeated Iran’s demand that the United States pay reparations for war-related damage.

The situation has become more tense following recent remarks by US President Donald Trump. Reports suggest Trump is considering launching fresh strikes against Iran despite recently concluding his visit to Beijing. On Sunday, Trump posted a warning message on Truth Social aimed directly at Tehran. “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!" he wrote.

Iran, however, has maintained that it is prepared for any escalation. Responding to Trump’s remarks, Baqaei said Iran was “fully prepared for any eventuality". His statement underlined Tehran’s position that it is ready to respond if tensions with Washington increase further.