Zillar Barta Desk,Tehran/Washington: Tensions between Iran and the United States are escalating sharply after Tehran announced plans to establish a new “prohibited” or restricted maritime zone near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei said the new zone would be announced in the coming days and warned that vessels entering the area could face sanctions. The announcement comes amid a growing confrontation between Washington and Tehran and renewed attacks involving military and commercial vessels in the Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could put further pressure on global energy supplies and push oil prices higher. Reuters reported that Brent crude rose to around $96.80 a barrel on Monday as concerns over disruptions intensified.
The latest development follows a series of retaliatory attacks between the United States and Iran. Washington has targeted Iranian oil tankers, while Iran has launched attacks against U.S. naval assets and commercial shipping in the region. The United States has maintained that it is seeking to protect freedom of navigation through the waterway.
Shipping activity through the Strait has already declined significantly amid the heightened security risks. The prospect of a formally declared restricted zone is raising fresh concerns among international shipping companies, energy traders and governments that depend on stable oil supplies.
Diplomatic efforts to ease the confrontation remain uncertain, while both sides continue to issue increasingly strong warnings. Analysts fear that any further military escalation around the Strait of Hormuz could have consequences well beyond the Middle East, affecting global oil prices, shipping costs and international markets.
