Iran has announced plans to establish a restricted maritime zone near the Strait of Hormuz, warning that vessels entering the area without prior coordination could face penalties from Tehran.
The announcement was made by Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council of Iran.
Speaking during an interview with Iran’s state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Rezaei said details of the proposed zone would be released in the coming days.
Iran Warns Ships Entering Zone Could Face Sanctions
Rezaei said the restricted area would extend from what he described as the point where the U.S. naval blockade begins towards the Strait of Hormuz and into parts of the Persian Gulf.
He said ships attempting to pass through the area without approval from Iranian authorities could be placed on Tehran’s sanctions list.
According to him, possible consequences could include difficulties with insurance coverage and future access to the waterway.
Tehran Says Strait Remains Closed
The Iranian official maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, rejecting claims from the United States that commercial ships and oil tankers continue to move through the strategic waterway.
Rezaei accused some vessels of attempting to avoid restrictions by using routes close to Oman and switching off navigation systems.
He claimed that several ships had suffered damage but said Iran was avoiding actions that could cause major environmental consequences.
Iran Announces Missile Test Near U.S. Carrier
Rezaei also disclosed that Iran had conducted a test launch of a domestically produced anti-destroyer missile near a U.S. aircraft carrier two days earlier.
He described the missile test as a demonstration of Iran’s military capability and a warning against U.S. naval pressure in the region.
“The special missile created hell for the Americans, and they fled,” he said.
Future Strait Access Linked to U.S. Commitments
Rezaei said Iran would maintain restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz until the United States takes what Tehran considers practical steps to fulfil obligations under a peace memorandum signed by both countries in June.
He added that Iran and Oman would announce a new international passage corridor for ships using the waterway.
According to him, the proposed corridor would operate under Iranian management.
Background to Strait of Hormuz Tensions
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following reported U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
Iran subsequently imposed restrictions on maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. forces introduced naval measures targeting vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, according to Iranian state media reports.
