Iran Expands No‑Go Zone, Attacks Vessels Near Hormuz Strait

Iran announced on Wednesday that it had attacked more than a dozen vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, and it expanded the no‑go zone surrounding the waterway, which has been blockaded for months. The Iranian Ministry of Defense said the strikes were in response to what it described as “unprovoked” actions by the United States, and it warned that the new restrictions would remain in force until the U.S. withdrew its naval presence from the region. The vessels targeted were reportedly commercial ships, and the ministry claimed the attacks were aimed at protecting Iranian maritime interests.

The escalation has reverberated through global markets, pushing crude oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time since early 2024. Analysts attribute the surge to the heightened risk of supply disruptions, as Tehran’s blockade of the strait threatens one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. In turn, Washington has intensified a counter‑blockade of Iranian ports, citing security concerns over Iranian naval activity. The U.S. Department of Defense has maintained that its operations in the Gulf are defensive and aimed at safeguarding international shipping lanes.

As tensions mount, both sides have reiterated their positions while calling for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. The situation remains fluid, with market participants closely monitoring any developments that could alter the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.