Iran has announced plans to establish a restricted zone around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy passage, following a series of maritime confrontations with the United States. This announcement comes after a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two nations expired last month, which had temporarily eased military tensions. The MoU, signed on June 17, aimed to reduce hostilities, but disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz led to its collapse.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei stated that the new zone would be defined in the coming days and would start from the US Navy's blockade line, extending into the Persian Gulf. He indicated that any vessel entering this zone would face sanctions from Iran. However, specific details regarding the zone's boundaries and the implications of sanctions for violators remain unclear.
Rezaei mentioned that new maps detailing approved routes, developed in collaboration with Oman, would be finalized soon. He emphasized that Iran would only ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open if the US ceases its actions against Iran.
The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi previously announced an agreement with Oman on a temporary maritime route for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which would utilize Iranian territorial waters.
There has been no immediate response from the US or the international community regarding the proposed restricted zone. However, US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins dismissed an Iranian claim of a US vessel entering a restricted area as false. The tensions have escalated with both sides targeting each other's vessels, and commercial shipping in the region has been significantly affected.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has decreased, with current averages showing about nine million barrels of oil per day, down from pre-conflict levels of approximately 20 million barrels. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported that 59 ships passed through the strait in the last 48 hours, indicating some level of continued navigation despite the tensions.
Experts suggest that Iran may face challenges in enforcing the proposed restricted zone, particularly against US military vessels. Stephen Zunes, a professor at the University of San Francisco, noted that Iranian forces would be vulnerable to US attacks if they attempted to enforce the zone. He speculated that Iran's actions could be aimed at provoking a broader US military response, which might politically benefit Tehran.
The situation remains fluid, with Iran's nuclear program also influencing the geopolitical landscape. The proposed restricted zone could be part of Iran's strategy to negotiate shipping routes with Oman, potentially impacting US-Iran relations moving forward.