Webdesk: Iran is preparing to announce a new restricted maritime zone outside the Strait of Hormuz, according to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Rezaei said the zone would begin from the line of the United States (US) naval blockade and extend into parts of the Gulf. He warned that any vessel entering the newly designated area would be placed on Iran’s sanctions list.
The announcement comes as maritime activity around the Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure amid continuing military tensions between Iran and the US. Shipping through the strategic waterway has fallen sharply in recent days, with concerns over security and the safety of commercial vessels affecting traffic.
Rezaei also said Iran was working with Oman on a new international maritime corridor. According to Iranian state media, he said the route had been agreed with Oman and would be announced in the coming days.
The proposed measures could add another layer of uncertainty for commercial shipping operating around the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is a major international route for energy and commodity shipments, making any restrictions in surrounding waters significant for shipping operators and energy markets.
The proposed restricted zone and the planned corridor with Oman appear to represent two parallel developments, with Iran seeking to regulate movement in areas it considers strategically important while also indicating a mechanism for continued maritime transit.
The announcement is expected to provide further details on the geographical limits of the proposed zone and the conditions for vessels using the new corridor. Until those details are formally released, the practical impact on commercial shipping remains unclear.
