Iran to Establish New Restricted Zone Outside Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Supreme National Security Council has revealed plans to establish a new restricted zone outside the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil shipments. Mohsen Rezaei, the council's secretary, indicated that this restricted area will be formally announced in the coming days. He emphasized that any vessel attempting to enter the zone with the intention of crossing the Strait of Hormuz would face sanctions.

This development follows a series of military escalations in the region, including recent strikes by the U.S. and Israel targeting Iranian interests. Rezaei's comments reflect a shift in Iran's military posture, as the country seeks to assert its influence and protect its maritime borders.

In a related statement, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator and parliament speaker, declared that the era of 'proportionate responses' has ended, suggesting a more aggressive stance in response to perceived threats. Ghalibaf warned that any future transgressions against Iran's security would elicit a swift and severe response.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also issued warnings to vessels in the Persian Gulf, advising them to avoid unauthorized routes. This comes after the IRGC claimed to have targeted oil tankers that were allegedly navigating through these routes.

As tensions continue to rise, the U.S. has not publicly commented on the latest developments, leaving the situation in the Strait of Hormuz precarious and closely monitored by international observers.