TEHRAN: Iran has threatened to establish a maritime exclusion zone in the Persian Gulf and introduce a new shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US blockade and economic sanctions.
Iranian officials said details of the proposed restricted zone and shipping route would be announced in the coming days, although no specific timeline was immediately provided.
What is Iran proposing in the Gulf?
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the proposed maritime exclusion zone would begin near the area covered by the US blockade of Iran and extend into parts of the Gulf.
He warned that vessels entering the restricted area could be placed on an Iranian sanctions list.
Rezaei repeated the warning on Tuesday in a post on X, saying Iran would respond to US economic pressure with restrictions in the Persian Gulf. He also warned that Iran had changed its operational posture towards US military forces and bases in the region.
His comments followed Iranian claims that a Qassem Basir ballistic missile had been launched towards US warships near the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said its vessels had evaded missile attacks.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy transit route. Before the current conflict, around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the waterway.
Iran has continued to retain missile and drone capabilities despite US military strikes and economic sanctions. Tehran has previously used the strategic importance of the strait as leverage against pressure from the United States and neighbouring Gulf states.
Shipping data cited in the report showed an average of about 10 commodity vessels per day transiting the strait during the previous 10 days, the lowest level recorded since May.
Iran has also indicated that it could seek fees from vessels using the waterway as part of its efforts to offset the impact of international sanctions.
The development comes as Washington continues its campaign against Tehran, with US President Donald Trump saying the conflict was intended to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and reduce its ability to threaten neighbouring countries.
What is the wider regional impact?
The dispute over the Strait of Hormuz is taking place alongside continuing military tensions across the region.
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Monday killed at least 12 people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The attacks have raised concerns about renewed fighting despite a June ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
Iran has maintained that any lasting agreement with Washington must also address Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
The proposed maritime exclusion zone could further affect commercial shipping and energy markets if implemented, although the exact boundaries and enforcement arrangements have yet to be announced.