Passage through Strait of Hormuz 'unfeasible' after US actions, says Persian Gulf Strait Authority; halts transit permits

Passage through the Strait of Hormuz has become "unfeasible" following recent military actions by US forces, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority said on Monday, announcing a temporary halt to the processing of transit permits for vessels using the strategic waterway.

In a statement posted on its official X account, the authority said applications for passage would not be processed until the security situation stabilises.

"Due to recent hostile actions by the US forces, passage through the Strait of Hormuz is currently unfeasible. As soon as stability and calm are restored, all applications will be reviewed in accordance with the scheduled timeline, and the permitting process will resume," the authority said.



It urged shipping companies and vessel operators to rely only on its official website for permit-related services, warning that no other platform or channel is authorised to issue transit approvals.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints, handling a substantial share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption to navigation through the narrow passage is closely watched by energy markets and the international shipping industry due to its potential impact on global oil supplies and freight movement.

Trump says US will 'Guard' Strait

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States was "taking over" responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that Washington would act as the "guardian" of the strategic waterway amid escalating tensions with Iran.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News' Fox & Friends, Trump said, "We're taking over the strait. They've got nothing," adding that the United States would be paid for protecting the shipping lane.

Trump also accused Iran of reneging on an agreement reached during talks with US officials, claiming the two sides had agreed on all major issues before Tehran later sought changes. He did not specify which agreement he was referring to.

The US president further claimed Iran's military capabilities had been severely degraded by recent American strikes, saying its navy, air force and missile infrastructure had been largely destroyed and that several Iranian leaders had been killed. He did not provide evidence to support those assertions.

Trump's remarks came as US military operations against Iranian targets continued after he declared over the weekend that the ceasefire with Iran was "over", further raising tensions around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.