Iran announces 'exclusion zone' near Strait of Hormuz amid US tensions

Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, announced Sunday that Tehran plans to establish an "exclusion zone" near the Strait of Hormuz. The zone is intended to restrict the passage of vessels that Iran believes are attempting to transit the critical waterway.

Rezaei told Iran's state broadcaster that the exclusion zone would be announced in the coming days and weeks. According to his statement, the zone would begin from the line of what Iran describes as a US naval blockade, extend toward the Strait of Hormuz, and continue into the Persian Gulf. "Any ship that enters this area with the intention of passing through the Strait of Hormuz and is identified will be placed on our sanctions list," Rezaei said.

The announcement marks an escalation in tensions following recent military exchanges. The US struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday in response to Iran launching ballistic missiles at US warships in the region. Experts have characterized Iran's missile launches as a dangerous escalation, particularly given previous Iranian attacks targeting commercial shipping in the area.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, with millions of barrels of oil passing through daily. The strategic importance of the waterway has made it a flashpoint for US-Iran tensions, with both nations maintaining significant military presence in the region.