Iran Threatens New Maritime Exclusion Zone in Gulf if US Economic War Continues

TEHRAN: Iran has warned that it could establish a new maritime exclusion zone in the Persian Gulf if the United States continues its economic pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued the warning in a post on social media platform X, saying Tehran could respond to continued economic warfare by creating a maritime exclusion zone extending to areas where the United States has established its blockade.

Rezaei said Iran had delivered a clear message to the United States through the use of newly developed missiles in recent days.

He added that Tehran had also fundamentally revised its military strategy regarding US warships and military bases in the region.

According to the Iranian official, the new approach reflects Iran’s determination to respond to continued military and economic pressure with measures extending beyond conventional retaliation.

Rezaei’s warning comes as shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf is already facing serious disruption amid continued tensions between Iran and the United States.

Reuters reported that Iran had also warned of establishing a new restricted maritime area in which unauthorised vessels entering the zone could face restrictions.

Such a move could introduce another layer of uncertainty for commercial shipping and increase pressure on vessels operating in the strategically important waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important routes for international energy shipments, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and wider global markets.

A new maritime exclusion zone in the Gulf could therefore have consequences well beyond the region, potentially affecting oil transportation, shipping costs and global energy markets.

Iran’s latest warning indicates that Tehran is prepared to use its strategic position around the Strait of Hormuz as part of its response to US economic and military pressure.

As tensions continue, any further restrictions on commercial shipping could increase risks for global trade and add fresh upward pressure to oil prices.