Iran has expanded the area of its naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz tenfold

Iranian authorities have announced a significant expansion of the operational zone in the area of a strategically important waterway, turning it into a large area of military activity. The new plan calls for control over areas that extend well beyond the strait’s traditional boundaries. 

This was reported by the Tasnim news agency.

Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy Akbarzadeh explained that previously, the operational zone covered only 30 miles between the islands of Hormuz and Khengam. Now the radius of action has expanded to 200–300 miles, covering the waters from the port city of Jask in the east to the islands of Qeshm and Greater Tomb in the west. Russia and other international players have not yet provided official comments on the new scale of Iran’s presence in the region.

The expansion of the zone of influence in the strait, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supplies passes, effectively alters the status quo in the Persian Gulf region. The Iranian side justifies this decision by citing the need to strengthen security and implement a new strategy to protect national interests. The establishment of such a large operational zone could lead to increased tensions in relations with international carriers and other countries.