Iran says a proposed restricted maritime zone could extend from Chabahar into parts of the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea amid rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
Web Desk: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced plans for a new maritime restricted zone that could extend from the coastal city of Chabahar into parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to intensify.
The exact boundaries and geographic coordinates of the proposed zone have not yet been released. Iranian officials have said that vessels entering or transiting the designated area could face Iranian sanctions.
Iran plans new maritime zone
The latest announcement expands on an earlier statement by Iranian Supreme National Security Council official Mohsen Rezaei, who said Tehran would establish a new restricted maritime area outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Rezaei had previously said the zone would begin around the line of the US naval blockade and extend into parts of the Gulf. The latest IRGC statement indicates that the proposed area could also cover parts of the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
The IRGC has not yet detailed what specific penalties or enforcement measures would apply to vessels entering the proposed zone.
New shipping corridor also under discussion
Alongside the proposed restricted zone, Iran is working with Oman on a new international shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian officials, the proposed corridor would involve waters belonging to Iran and Oman, with Iran playing a role in its management.
Tehran has linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to an end to what it describes as US attacks, threats and sabotage against Iran.
The United States, meanwhile, has maintained its naval presence in the region and says it is seeking to preserve freedom of navigation while restricting Iranian oil exports.
Shipping traffic falls sharply
The latest development comes as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen significantly amid the escalating US-Iran confrontation.
Reuters reported that only six commodity vessels passed through the Strait on Tuesday, compared with nine the previous day and a 10-day average of 12.
The US Maritime Administration has separately warned that the risk of Iranian attacks against commercial shipping remains high across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, including threats involving missiles, armed drones and unmanned surface vessels.
Impact on global energy markets
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for international energy shipments, meaning further restrictions or disruptions could affect oil markets and global supply chains.
Oil prices have risen sharply as shipping through the region has declined. Reuters reported that Brent crude moved above $100 a barrel amid the latest escalation.
The wider maritime confrontation has also involved attacks on oil tankers. Reuters reported that US forces recently struck Iranian oil tankers, while Iran subsequently targeted vessels and US interests in the region.
