Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, announced on Sunday that the country plans to establish a new maritime zone near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to reports from Iranian state media, this area will be designated as a "prohibited" or "restricted" zone and will extend from the boundary of the current U.S. naval blockade into parts of the Persian Gulf.

Tehran has stated that any vessel entering this newly defined zone will be placed on an Iranian sanctions list. While the exact timing remains broad, officials indicated the announcement of the zone is expected within the coming days. Additionally, Iranian authorities have signaled that they are working with Oman to finalize new maps intended to regulate maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

There is a slight variation in the terminology used by the sources regarding the nature of the zone. Middle East Eye refers to the area as a "restricted shipping zone," while the South China Morning Post (SCMP) uses the term "prohibited zone," citing Rezaei’s specific language. Both outlets agree that the zone is intended to challenge or operate in relation to the existing U.S. naval presence in the region, though neither source provided details on how Iran intends to enforce these sanctions against international commercial traffic.