Iran has signalled a new attempt to restrict shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. The new head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council said on Sunday that Tehran plans to establish an "exclusion zone" for vessels it believes are seeking to transit the strait.
The proposed area would begin at the line of the US naval blockade, run towards the Strait of Hormuz and continue from that side into the Persian Gulf, the official said. Tehran expects to make a formal declaration in the coming days and weeks.
Iran said any vessel that enters the zone intending to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and is identified by Iranian authorities, will be placed on its sanctions list. The announcement sets out a threat of economic action against ships rather than describing a specific means of enforcement.
The proposed exclusion zone would affect a maritime passage central to international trade. Restrictions affecting traffic through the strait could have consequences for energy markets and wider commercial shipping.
It remains unclear whether the announcement relates to particular recent military incidents or reflects a broader change in Iranian policy. There has been no stated international response, and it is unknown whether other countries will recognise or challenge the planned exclusion zone.
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