Iran will soon establish a new “Hormuz restricted zone” near the Strait of Hormuz. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, made the announcement on state television. This significant measure aims to expand military controls over the vital maritime corridor.
The proposed zone will begin at the “line where the US naval blockade commences.” It will then extend into areas of the Persian Gulf. Authorities warned that any vessels entering this new perimeter would face sanctions from Tehran. Moreover, the move seeks to further limit international oil trade.
This development emerges amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. Earlier this week, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps reported an attack on a US naval drone. The incident occurred as the unmanned vessel attempted to enter “protected” waters within the Strait of Hormuz. Iran asserts control over this strategic waterway.
The Revolutionary Guard also claimed responsibility for striking three oil tankers in “unauthorized routes.” Furthermore, it targeted three US-linked vessels, including an aircraft carrier and a destroyer, in “other areas.” These actions were reportedly in retaliation for US military aggression. American forces had attacked three Iranian oil tankers off Kharg Island on Saturday.
The current escalation follows intense US airstrikes against Iran, which resulted in at least 19 fatalities. Four people died at a wedding during these attacks. Tehran swiftly responded by bombing US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Iran initially blockaded the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, transforming it into a primary leverage point in the conflict. This action effectively paralyzed nearly all oil exports. Now, all vessels require Iranian permission to traverse the strait. This new Hormuz restricted zone represents a further escalation of these controls.
The United States has, by contrast, established its own blockade against Iranian ports and ships. Experts note that Washington has recently managed to restore some maritime traffic. This traffic now uses a southern route close to Oman.
Esmail Baghaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, squarely blamed the US for initiating the conflict. He posted online that the Strait of Hormuz remained open until America attacked Iran on February 28. Baghaei accused Washington of unleashing an “unlawful and savage war” that disrupts shipping and drives up energy prices.
