Iran will expand the no-sail zone in the Persian Gulf
Iran has decided to expand the maritime zone closed to navigation beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include the adjacent part of the Persian Gulf. This will be Tehran’s response to the economic war and naval blockade declared by the United States.
According to Rezaei, the Islamic Republic intends to establish a new no-sail zone in the Persian Gulf that will extend to the perimeter of the U.S. naval blockade.
“The Islamic Republic’s response to the U.S. economic war and naval blockade will include the creation of a no-sail zone in the Persian Gulf extending to the perimeter of the U.S. Navy blockade,” Rezaei said.
Thus, the restrictions could extend far beyond the immediate waters of the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the key routes for global energy supplies.
Rezaei warned that any vessel entering the designated maritime zone without Tehran’s approval could face consequences.
Specifically, he said, this includes sanctions, problems with vessel insurance, and possible restrictions on future passage.
“Any vessel that enters the designated area without coordination with Tehran will face sanctions and consequences for its insurance and future passage,” the Iranian official stated.
Tehran’s statement signals a further escalation of the standoff between Iran and the U.S., particularly regarding shipping and control of maritime routes in the region.
This was stated by Mohsen Rezaei, chairman of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, according to Press TV.
According to Al Jazeera English, Qatar stated that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is a priority and warned of an “industrial disaster” if the crisis continues. Data from Kpler shows that traffic through the strait fell by 28% last week—to 77 vessels.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai criticized Canada for supporting the efforts of the U.S., France, and the U.K. to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran called Ottawa’s position “a manifestation of strategic confusion and submission to intimidation.”
Earlier this week, Iran announced its readiness to respond to any new U.S. attacks. Against this backdrop, the number of cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz fell to seven on Monday, down from eight the day before.
