Iran announces plan for restricted zone in Strait of Hormuz

Tehran announced on Monday that it will establish a restricted maritime zone in the Persian Gulf, a move aimed at curbing what it describes as hostile naval activity by the United States and its allies. The zone, which Iranian officials say will extend 20 nautical miles from the Iranian coastline and cover key shipping lanes near the Strait of Hormuz, is slated to become operational within the next 30 days. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy has been tasked with monitoring the area, and the government warned that any vessel entering without prior permission will be subject to interception and possible seizure. The declaration follows a series of recent incidents, including the seizure of a commercial tanker by Iranian forces and heightened U.S. naval patrols in response to Tehran’s missile tests.

U.S. officials have dismissed the proposal as “unlawful” and reiterated that American warships will continue to operate freely under international law, citing the right of innocent passage. Diplomatic sources note that the establishment of the zone could complicate already strained negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security, potentially prompting a response from other Gulf states concerned about trade disruptions. Analysts caution that Tehran’s ability to enforce the restriction will depend on its naval capacity, the willingness of regional partners to support the measure, and the broader trajectory of U.S.-Iran relations, which have been marked by escalating rhetoric and reciprocal sanctions in recent months.