Iran to declare exclusion zone near Strait of Hormuz amid naval clashes

Iran is preparing to establish a naval exclusion zone adjacent to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaee announced on state television. Rezaee stated that the corridor will extend from U.S. naval blockade lines across parts of the Gulf, warning that unauthorized vessels entering the perimeter will face severe sanctions.

Maritime confrontation has intensified following the resumption of military operations late last month. Cross-strikes escalated over the weekend, with the U.S. striking three IRGC-linked tankers after Iranian attempts against American carrier strike groups, followed by retaliatory Iranian drone and missile strikes targeting commercial tankers and U.S.-linked vessels in the strait.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the era of proportional deterrence has concluded, threatening rapid and asymmetric escalation. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) dismissed Tehran's claims of downing an American naval drone as false, reinforcing that attacks on maritime transit will trigger compounded strategic and operational costs.

N.Tebrizli