Iran plans new maritime zone near Hormuz

Iran says it will announce a new restricted maritime zone outside the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, warning that any vessel entering it will be placed on a sanctions list. The plan would cover areas extending into the Persian Gulf and begin from what Tehran described as the US Navy’s blockade line. Iranian officials also said they are preparing an agreement with Oman on a new corridor through Hormuz, with entry and exit points under Iranian control.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the strait is “completely closed” and under the control of Iranian forces, rejecting US claims that it remains open. He said only a small number of ships carrying essential goods for Iran are now passing through, while other vessels attempting to transit are being targeted. He also said Iran has chosen not to sink oil-carrying ships because of the environmental damage that could follow.

Rezaei further claimed Iran recently tested an anti-ship missile over a US warship and said the launch forced American forces to retreat. He denied that the US economic blockade is causing famine in Iran, saying the government has enough food and essential goods in reserve. He added that Iran continues to sell oil and recover the proceeds.

The comments come amid rising regional tensions linked to attacks and counterattacks involving Iran, Israel and US interests. Rezaei said Iran will only commit to keeping the strait open if Washington stops threatening and attacking the country, and he accused US-backed negotiations of lacking trust and reliable guarantees. He also repeated claims of Iranian strikes on US targets in the region and said Hezbollah remains in a strong position in Lebanon.