Iran announces new Hormuz restrictions

Iran is preparing to announce a restricted maritime zone around the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the United States as the two sides remain locked in a prolonged confrontation.

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsin Rezaei said the restricted area would cover parts of the Gulf and would be announced in the coming days.

Rezaei provided few details about the proposed measure but said vessels entering the designated zone could face sanctions and be placed on a sanctions list.

The announcement comes amid renewed military and economic tensions between Tehran and Washington. A ceasefire agreement reached in June has effectively broken down, while diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations have made little progress.

After a relative pause in fighting during much of August, attacks have resumed. US Central Command said it struck three Iranian tankers on Saturday after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles towards two US Navy vessels.

Iranian officials have responded with increasingly strong warnings. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would respond more quickly and forcefully to any future attack on Iranian interests or security.

He warned that the “rules of the game” had changed and said further attacks would trigger a heavier response.

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the confrontation because it is one of the world’s most important energy routes. A significant share of global oil supplies traditionally passes through the narrow waterway.

Iran has demonstrated its ability to disrupt shipping through the strait, raising concerns about further pressure on global energy markets and fuel prices.

At the same time, Tehran is struggling with the economic impact of US sanctions and restrictions on its oil exports.

Iranian officials say Washington’s campaign to restrict oil shipments and prevent sanctions evasion is putting increasing pressure on the country’s economy.

Ghalibaf said Iran’s economic challenges had become as important as the military confrontation. He pointed to inflation, currency volatility, unemployment and problems with market management as major concerns.

He said the Iranian public could endure difficult conditions but expected the government to take effective action and prevent economic mismanagement.

Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said Tehran would respond to the economic pressure through domestic reforms. He rejected the idea that US sanctions could force Iran to change its political decisions.

Iran has also established an “Economic War Headquarters” to deal with problems arising from the conflict and sanctions.

Kharg Island remains key oil hub

Iran’s oil industry has suffered heavily from the conflict. The country previously exported the vast majority of its crude through Kharg Island, a crucial offshore oil terminal.

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the facility had come under hundreds of attacks in recent months but remained operational.

US Central Command has meanwhile said it is enforcing restrictions on Iranian oil shipments. According to the command, dozens of commercial vessels have been redirected, while several others have been disabled or boarded.

The confrontation has also raised concerns over global fuel prices, particularly as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten to restrict the movement of oil.

Despite the tensions, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said oil was still moving through the waterway at substantial volumes. He claimed US naval operations were allowing significant flows to continue.