Iran has added 11 more vessels to its blacklist over what its maritime authorities describe as “non-compliance” with regulations governing transit through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, further tightening restrictions on commercial shipping through the key energy route.

The latest additions were reported by Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), taking the number of vessels on the blacklist to more than 50. The move comes about a week after Iran announced restrictions against dozens of tankers it accused of violating its transit arrangements. 

11 More Ships Added to List

According to reports citing the PGSA, the 11 newly listed vessels are now subject to restrictions on future passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The authority has described the vessels as non-compliant with the rules it has established for maritime traffic through the waterway. 

The action represents an expansion of measures introduced by Tehran as it seeks greater control over shipping movements through the strait amid continuing regional tensions.

Iran Had Earlier Blacklisted Tankers

The latest action follows Iran's August 24 announcement concerning 45 tankers that it said had violated its navigation rules. The vessels were warned that they could face penalties including fines, detention or cargo confiscation if they attempted to transit the waterway again. 

Iran has also warned that vessels cooperating with blacklisted ships, including through ship-to-ship transfers, could face action under its regulations.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Under Pressure

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime routes for energy shipments, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any restrictions affecting shipping through the waterway can have wider implications for oil and gas markets.

Shipping activity through the strait has already been affected by the broader US-Iran conflict and heightened security risks. Reuters reported that the number of vessels using the route has fallen substantially compared with normal levels, while oil-market participants continue to monitor developments closely. 

Impact on Oil and Gas Trade

The restrictions come at a time when global energy markets are already sensitive to disruptions in Middle Eastern shipping. The Strait of Hormuz traditionally handles a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making its security important for major energy-consuming economies.

Any further restrictions on commercial vessels could increase uncertainty for shipowners, traders, insurers and energy companies operating in the region.

Indian Shipping Interest

The developments are also relevant for India because Indian companies and vessels use the wider Gulf region for energy and commercial trade. Earlier, two vessels linked to India — LNG tanker Disha and bulk carrier Maha Roos — were identified among the 45 vessels blacklisted by Iran. 

The addition of 11 more vessels makes the evolving Iranian regulatory regime an issue closely watched by the international shipping and energy sectors.

Growing Maritime Tensions

Iran's expanding blacklist comes amid a broader escalation around the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway has become a major point of contention during the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with military activity and restrictions on shipping adding to concerns over the security of commercial vessels.

For now, the latest blacklist underscores the increasing regulatory and operational risks facing ships seeking to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. The effect on international shipping will depend on how Tehran enforces the restrictions and whether further vessels are added to the list.

Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that the strategic waterway remains blocked and will not be reopened until Tehran’s conditions are met.

The latest exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over the strategically important maritime passage, through which a significant share of global oil and petroleum trade traditionally moves.

Iran Says Blockade Continues

In a statement posted on X, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority dismissed claims by Trump and other US officials that the Strait of Hormuz was no longer blocked.

The authority said that statements from American officials had not changed the situation on the ground and reiterated that the waterway would remain closed until Iran’s demands were accepted.

The Iranian position was reiterated hours after Trump claimed that Washington had established “total control” over the Strait and intended to maintain it.

Trump Claims ‘Wall of Steel’

Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the United States had “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz.

He described the US naval presence in the region as a “wall of steel”, asserting that Iran had no ability to challenge the American deployment.

Trump also repeated his claim that Iran’s military infrastructure had been severely weakened during the ongoing confrontation.

The US president further accused Iran of spreading what he described as false information and criticised the country’s economic situation.

Tehran Sets Conditions

Iran’s latest response comes as Tehran continues to link the reopening of the Strait to broader political and security demands.

Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran would not fully reopen the waterway until the United States met what Iran described as its conditions.

According to Rezaei, Iran wants Washington to end the war and blockade, release frozen Iranian assets and agree to a region-wide ceasefire covering Lebanon and Gaza.

He said the Strait would remain closed until all the conditions were fulfilled.

US Naval Presence Increases

The dispute has intensified as the United States has expanded its naval presence around the Gulf.

Washington has maintained that ensuring freedom of navigation through the strategically important waterway remains a key security objective.

Iran, meanwhile, has repeatedly warned that maritime traffic could be restricted if pressure from the United States and other external powers continues.

The conflicting claims have created uncertainty for commercial shipping and energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major focus of international attention.

Major Energy Route

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy corridors. A substantial portion of global petroleum shipments traditionally passes through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

Any prolonged disruption could therefore have wider consequences for crude oil supplies, shipping costs and global energy prices.

The ongoing standoff has already contributed to concerns in international markets, with oil prices responding to developments surrounding the Strait and US-Iran negotiations.

No Immediate Resolution

For now, Washington and Tehran remain sharply divided over the status of the waterway.

Trump maintains that the United States has established control and intends to keep it, while Iranian authorities insist that the Strait remains blocked and that reopening it depends on Tehran’s conditions being accepted.

With diplomatic efforts yet to produce a breakthrough, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the wider US-Iran confrontation.

More than 1,500 commercial vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could become carriers of invasive marine species, posing a significant ecological threat to coastal ecosystems across the world, according to a new international study.

Published in the scientific journal Biological Invasions, the research warns that the months-long maritime disruption has transformed idle cargo ships and oil tankers into floating ecosystems capable of transporting algae, barnacles, mussels, microbes and other marine organisms to ports worldwide once global shipping resumes.

Months of Anchoring Raise Ecological Concerns

The Strait of Hormuz has remained largely inaccessible since February 28, following the outbreak of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. As a result, hundreds of commercial vessels have remained anchored in the warm, highly saline waters of the Persian Gulf for nearly five months.

Researchers said such prolonged inactivity has accelerated biofouling—the accumulation of marine organisms on submerged parts of ships. Under normal conditions, commercial vessels remain stationary for only a few days, limiting biological growth. However, extended anchorage has allowed dense marine communities to develop on ship hulls.

Floating Habitats Could Spread Invasive Species

Scientists said the stranded vessels have effectively become floating habitats capable of transporting entire marine ecosystems across international waters.

The study highlighted that species native to the Persian Gulf are particularly resilient because they have adapted to survive extreme temperatures and high salinity. These characteristics could allow them to establish themselves rapidly if introduced into suitable coastal environments elsewhere.

Marine biologist Mario Tamburri, one of the study's researchers, noted that organisms capable of surviving harsh environmental conditions often become successful invasive species when introduced into new ecosystems.

Risks to Marine Ecosystems and Industries

Researchers warned that once international shipping resumes, millions of marine organisms attached to vessel hulls could be transported to ports around the world.

If these species establish themselves in new habitats, they could outcompete native marine life, disrupt fisheries, damage biodiversity and interfere with critical infrastructure, including power plant cooling systems and port facilities.

The study also suggests that some vessels may have already released large numbers of larvae into Gulf waters during their prolonged stay, potentially altering local marine ecosystems.

Economic Impact Beyond Environmental Damage

Apart from ecological concerns, biofouling also increases operational costs for the shipping industry.

According to the researchers, even a thin biological coating on a ship's hull can increase fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 20–25%, while heavy barnacle growth may push fuel usage up by more than 50% because of increased drag.

The report noted that shipping companies have started deploying specialised underwater dive teams to clean hulls and propellers before vessels resume operations. However, increased demand has reportedly driven hull-cleaning costs up by nearly 60%, with services now averaging around $8,000 per vessel.

Scientists Call for Immediate Preventive Measures

Researchers have urged governments, shipping companies and port authorities to implement mandatory hull inspections and cleaning procedures before stranded vessels are allowed to leave the Persian Gulf.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also recognised biofouling as one of the leading pathways for the global spread of invasive aquatic species and is working towards establishing an international framework to improve biofouling management.

The study concludes that preventing invasive marine species from leaving the Persian Gulf would be significantly more effective and less expensive than attempting to control them after they establish themselves in ecosystems around the world.

The Centre has unveiled a comprehensive maritime safety mechanism to monitor every Indian seafarer operating in the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters after recent attacks on two merchant vessels left one Indian sailor dead and 10 others injured.

The decision was taken during a high-level inter-ministerial review chaired by Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who directed authorities to adopt a "seafarer-first" approach through real-time vessel monitoring, dedicated liaison officers and round-the-clock coordination among government agencies.

The move comes amid growing security concerns in the Persian Gulf following attacks on commercial shipping along one of the world's busiest energy corridors.

High-Level Review After Vessel Attacks

The emergency review followed attacks on the merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The two ships were carrying 46 crew members, including 30 Indian nationals. According to government officials, one Indian seafarer was killed aboard MT Al Bahiyah, while another sustained injuries. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian crew members were injured, with two reported to be in critical condition.

Representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and Indian diplomatic missions in Iran and Oman participated in the review meeting.

Real-Time Vessel Monitoring Ordered

As part of the government's response, the Directorate General of Shipping has been instructed to develop a vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard covering every Indian seafarer working in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, regardless of the vessel's nationality.

The digital platform will provide real-time information on vessel location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, welfare status, voyage plans, threat assessment, destination ports and emergency support facilities.

Officials said the objective is to ensure that every Indian seafarer operating in the conflict-affected region is individually accounted for.

Dedicated Support for Families

The government has also directed that a dedicated liaison officer be assigned to every Indian seafarer affected by the crisis.

The officer will coordinate directly with families and assist with medical updates, documentation, repatriation, welfare fund claims, salary-related issues, contractual benefits and compensation wherever applicable.

The ministry said the single-point contact system is intended to reduce delays and ensure quicker assistance to affected families.

Coordination With Indian Missions

The Shipping Ministry has instructed officials to maintain close coordination with Indian embassies and consulates in Iran, Oman, the UAE and other regional countries to obtain verified updates on navigational safety, port access, medical evacuation, hospital facilities, repatriation arrangements and ongoing investigations.

The government also confirmed that India has raised concerns over the attacks with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the relevant flag administrations, while reiterating its commitment to protecting civilian shipping and ensuring compliance with international maritime law.

Fresh Risk Assessment Before Every Voyage

To strengthen maritime safety, the Centre has directed that every voyage through the conflict zone should proceed only after a fresh threat assessment, consultation with maritime authorities and the professional judgement of the vessel's master.

Shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies have also been asked to certify that no Indian seafarer is compelled to sail without adequate information, safety measures and operational support.

24x7 Helpline Activated

The government has activated a 24x7 grievance support system for Indian seafarers and their families to provide emergency assistance and information.

Concluding the meeting, Sonowal said the government's response would remain focused on safeguarding Indian seafarers while ensuring uninterrupted global maritime trade through one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes.

Trump Says Iran Talks in 'Final Stages' as Tehran Defines Hormuz Boundaries, Mandates Vessel Permits

US President Donald Trump has said negotiations with Iran are in their "final stages", even as Tehran moved to assert tighter control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz by defining its supervisory boundaries and mandating permits for all vessels passing through the waterway.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said he was willing to give diplomacy "one shot" but warned that Washington could take "nasty" action if talks fail. "Ideally I'd like to see few people killed, as opposed to a lot," he said, adding that the situation was "right on the borderline."

Warning from Washington

The US President's comments come weeks after a ceasefire paused the US-Iran conflict. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has delivered a blunt ultimatum to Tehran's leadership, though Trump suggested Washington could wait a few days to "get the right answers" from Iranian officials.

Trump also claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will do whatever I want him to do," signalling tight US control over its ally's posture in the ongoing tensions.

Tehran defines Hormuz boundaries

In a move that could escalate maritime tensions, Iran's newly-launched Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has formally defined the management supervision area of the Strait of Hormuz. According to a post on X, the supervision area stretches from the line connecting Kuh Mobarak in Iran and the south of Fujairah in the UAE in the east, to the line connecting the end of Qeshm Island in Iran and Umm al-Qaiwain in the UAE in the west.

The management body has made it clear that "frequencies in this range for passing through the Strait of Hormuz require coordination with the Persian Gulf Waterway Management and a permit from this entity."

Economic shockwaves widen

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has already disrupted more than 20 per cent of global fuel supplies, and the economic fallout is being felt far beyond West Asia. In Kenya, deadly protests over soaring fuel prices have claimed at least four lives so far, with demonstrators taking to the streets across the East African nation as petrol and diesel costs have surged.

Sri Lanka's tea industry is also under mounting pressure. Tea workers in the central hill region say rising living costs are making survival increasingly difficult. "We don't know whether we can cope. If this war continues, many people will face hardship," tea estate worker Jacintha Malar told Reuters from Hatton.

Saudi Arabia turns to fuel oil

Saudi Arabia is expected to rely more heavily on fuel oil to meet soaring summer electricity demand after disruptions linked to the Iran conflict reduced natural gas supplies. The kingdom has reportedly increased imports of fuel oil for power generation as extreme summer heat pushes up air-conditioning use. Saudi Aramco boosted fuel oil imports to around 1.7 million tonnes in April, an 86 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, according to analysts cited by Reuters.

Military posturing in Tehran

As threats of renewed conflict persist, Iran has intensified public displays of military strength in the capital. Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are now frequently seen training civilians to use Kalashnikov-style assault rifles, while military parades featuring armoured vehicles have become increasingly common. A ballistic missile similar to those used in recent attacks on Israel was showcased during a mass wedding ceremony in Tehran.

Iran has also claimed it possesses advanced domestically developed weapons that have not yet been combat-tested. Meanwhile, officials confirmed that Tehran is "reviewing" the US response to its latest proposal, with Pakistan acting as mediator for message exchanges between the two sides.

Tensions High as IRGC Threatens US Assets; Russia Offers Uranium Storage Deal

Tehran warns of 'decisive response' as Strait of Hormuz conflict escalates; Britain deploys HMS Dragon to support regional security.

The situation in the Persian Gulf has reached a boiling point today, with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issuing a direct warning to the United States. Following fresh hostilities, the IRGC naval command declared via social media that any further attacks on Iranian merchant vessels or tankers would be met with strikes against US military bases and ships. This comes as international navies, including the British Royal Navy, scramble to bolster presence in the Strait of Hormuz to protect vital trade routes.

Britain deploys warship to region

The British government has confirmed the deployment of the HMS Dragon to West Asia, marking a significant escalation in Western efforts to secure the waterway. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the warship will join a multinational coalition aimed at ensuring the safe passage of merchant vessels through the strait. The French military has also confirmed that its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, is currently en route to the region, highlighting the global stakes involved in the crisis.

Diplomatic efforts remain stalled

Despite ongoing shuttle diplomacy, the path to a ceasefire remains treacherous. While the US and Iran have been working through mediators to draft a 30-day cessation of hostilities, the nuclear issue continues to serve as a major roadblock. Iran has signaled it will not compromise on its uranium enrichment program, a stance that has frustrated Washington.

Putin steps into nuclear fray

Adding a new layer to the complex negotiations, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced yesterday that Moscow is prepared to transport and store Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. Drawing on historical precedent from 2015, the Kremlin suggested this move could bridge the gap in the stalled US-Iran talks. However, the proposal faces significant hurdles, as previous US administrations have been wary of Moscow acting as the primary custodian for Iranian nuclear material.

Crisis hits global markets

The economic ripple effects of the Hormuz crisis are becoming increasingly visible on the ground. Brent crude has climbed to $103 per barrel, reflecting market anxiety over the potential for a prolonged blockade of one of the world’s most critical oil transit arteries. Simultaneously, digital infrastructure remains a point of contention, with Iranian officials recently discussing the potential to monetize submarine fiber-optic cables that carry over $10 trillion in daily global financial transactions through the strait.

Military posturing remains intense

On the ground, the military posture is becoming more aggressive. Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani confirmed Sunday that light, indigenously built submarines have been deployed to the seabed in a "trigger-ready" state. Meanwhile, the US Central Command reported that it has successfully prevented over 70 vessels linked to Iranian ports from transiting the area, effectively putting a chokehold on $13 billion in oil cargo. As regional powers continue to trade threats, the prospect of a lasting peace appears slim unless a breakthrough is achieved in the coming weeks.

A Small Win, A Bigger Warning

Two Indian ships have been permitted to sail through the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow but enormously important waterway that has been effectively shut down since the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. The passage of these vessels is being seen as a diplomatic signal, but make no mistake: India's energy security remains deeply fragile, and the crisis in the Persian Gulf is nowhere near resolved.

The Strait of Hormuz — just 21 miles wide at its narrowest — carries roughly 20% of the world's daily oil supply. When Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shut it down to Western-linked ships after retaliating against US-Israeli strikes, the ripple effects were immediate and severe for countries like India that depend heavily on this corridor.

Why This Matters for India Right Now

India depends heavily on this strategic corridor for its energy supplies. Nearly 85% of the country's LPG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and around 40% of crude oil shipments also move through the same route. NBC News

Over 1,100 Indian seafarers are aboard at least 38 vessels affected by the closure, with shipowners urging naval protection to resume passage. Bloomberg The clearance of two ships is a relief, but it is a drop in the ocean compared to what is still stranded.

The passage was made possible after Iran announced it would differentiate between friends and foes. Iran's IRGC stated that the Strait of Hormuz is now closed to vessels from the United States, Israel, Europe and their Western allies The Washington Post, while leaving a window open for nations like India and China that have not aligned with the Western military campaign.

The Risk Hasn't Gone Away

Passage being "allowed" does not mean passage is safe. A cargo vessel heading toward India's Kandla Port caught fire after being struck by a projectile while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz Zee News — a stark reminder that even non-Western ships are operating in an active war zone.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained near a standstill on March 7, with only three total crossings recorded. The combination of vessel attacks, elevated strike risk, GPS and AIS interference, and the withdrawal of war-risk insurance coverage is now producing a near-total closure effect for much of the commercial market. Military.com

In plain terms: Iran may say the door is open for Indian ships, but the hallway is still on fire.

India's Tightrope Walk

India has long maintained a careful balancing act — maintaining warm ties with both Washington and Tehran. That balancing act is now under serious strain.

Indian officials have publicly noted that more than 40% of the country's oil imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, now an active combat zone. Al Jazeera The government is under pressure to act — and fast. According to reports, the government may consider deploying the Indian Navy if tensions rise further, with naval escort operations to help protect commercial vessels crossing the sensitive route. NBC News

Meanwhile, global oil prices have swung wildly. Oil prices briefly surged to around $120 per barrel due to supply concerns, and analysts warn that prolonged instability could affect fuel prices across several countries. NBC News

The passage of two Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz is a cautious win — but it should not be mistaken for stability. With Indian ships Strait of Hormuz movements still limited, over a thousand Indian sailors stranded, and an active shooting war ongoing, the situation demands urgent, sustained diplomatic and naval engagement from New Delhi.

India cannot afford to watch from the sidelines. Its kitchens, its factories, and its economy run on oil that flows through these 21 miles of water. What happens in the Persian Gulf does not stay there — it lands at your petrol pump, your cooking gas cylinder, and eventually your grocery bill.

The world is watching the Strait of Hormuz. India needs to do more than watch.