Iran is preparing to establish an “exclusion zone” around the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could further intensify the standoff with the United States over the strategically important waterway. Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Sunday that Tehran would soon announce details of the proposed zone. He said vessels identified as attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz could be placed on an Iranian sanctions list.
What Is Iran’s New ‘Exclusion Zone’?
Speaking to Iranian state television, Rezaei said the proposed zone would stretch from the area covered by the US naval blockade towards the Strait of Hormuz and into the Persian Gulf. He did not provide precise coordinates or explain exactly how Iran would enforce the proposed restrictions.
The announcement comes after renewed military activity around the waterway, including a US strike on three Iranian oil tankers following Iranian missile launches targeting US warships.
Why Is The Strait Of Hormuz Important?
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway could affect global oil and gas supplies and put additional pressure on energy prices.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday that around nine million barrels of oil per day were currently moving through the strait. Including regional pipeline routes, he estimated that flows had recovered to roughly two-thirds or more of pre-war levels.
US Blockade And Shipping Disruptions
Washington has maintained a naval blockade aimed at restricting Iran’s ability to export oil through its ports. According to the US military, more than 20 warships are supporting the operation. By Sunday, the blockade had reportedly redirected 92 commercial vessels and disabled three. Iran has also continued targeting some vessels attempting to navigate the waterway, making the shipping route increasingly risky for commercial operators.
Tehran claimed on Sunday that it had struck an unmanned US vessel attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz. The US military rejected the claim as a “total lie”.
US-Iran Fighting Resumes
The latest escalation follows the resumption of US-Iran attacks after roughly a month of relative calm. The conflict began on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and has since increasingly centred on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s southern coastline. Washington has responded to attacks around the waterway with military action while simultaneously increasing financial pressure on Tehran through sanctions targeting institutions involved in Iran’s economy.
Iran Signals Harder Line On Diplomacy
Rezaei also indicated that Tehran is taking a more cautious approach to future negotiations with Washington. He criticised previous mediation efforts involving Pakistan, Qatar and Oman, saying Iran had expected mediators to prevent either side from violating agreements.
The memorandum of understanding reached between Washington and Tehran in June subsequently deteriorated as both sides accused each other of breaching its terms. Rezaei said Iran was now pursuing diplomacy with guarantees, suggesting that Tehran wants stronger assurances before entering another agreement with the US.
What Could Happen Next?
The proposed exclusion zone could add another layer to the already tense situation around the Strait of Hormuz. If implemented, it could complicate efforts by commercial vessels to resume normal transit and increase the risk of further confrontation between Iranian and US forces. For now, Iran has not provided detailed rules or coordinates for the zone. Its impact will depend largely on how Tehran defines the restricted area and whether it attempts to enforce the measure against commercial shipping.
