New Delhi, May 2 -- Iran has introduced "new rules" for waters off its southern coast, signaling an intent to tighten authority over critical maritime paths in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, per state-run Press TV.

A decree from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the force will exercise "control over nearly 2,000 km (1,243 miles) of Iran's coastline" spanning the Arabian Gulf and the vital Strait of Hormuz.

The statement said the measures are aimed at turning the waters into "a source of pride and power for the dear people of Iran, and a source of security and prosperity for the region."

This announcement followed a directive from Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who warned that foreigners harboring "ominous" sche...