Iran Plans Exclusion Zone Near Strait of Hormuz, Warns Ships of Sanctions

Iran has announced plans to establish a new exclusion zone starting from the line of the US naval blockade, extending toward the Strait of Hormuz and continuing into the Persian Gulf. Any ship identified entering this area with the intention of passing through the Strait will be placed on Iran’s sanctions list, an Iranian official said.

The memorandum of understanding reached between Washington and Tehran in mid-June quickly deteriorated, with both sides accusing each other of breaching its terms. An Iranian official expressed disappointment, saying, “We had trusted our friends in Pakistan, Qatar or Oman, thinking that since they had stepped in as mediators, one of a mediator’s responsibilities is that if one side violates the agreement, they should stop them.” The official added that Iran is now pursuing diplomacy with guarantees.

Meanwhile, regional pipelines are helping maintain oil supplies despite tensions. An expert noted that current flows are probably two-thirds or more of pre-conflict levels, indicating that Iran’s oil production and trade continue largely as usual.