Tehran is preparing to announce a new maritime exclusion zone across the Persian Gulf, signaling a significant escalation in its six-month-old conflict with the United States. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated on Sunday that any vessel entering this newly restricted area would be placed on an Iranian sanctions list, effectively threatening the US with “economic warfare.”
The planned exclusion zone would extend from the current US blockade perimeter into other areas of the Gulf. Details regarding a new shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz are also expected to be released, although a timeline remains unclear.
Escalating Tensions and Military Posture
Rezaei reiterated these threats on Tuesday, asserting that Washington had received a warning from Iran’s advanced missiles. He specified that US economic warfare would be met with this expanded maritime exclusion zone. Furthermore, Iran’s operational stance towards US warships and military bases has undergone a “fundamental recalibration.”
This statement likely refers to the Qassem Basir ballistic missile, which Iranian state media reported was fired at US warships near the Strait of Hormuz. The US military, however, stated that its vessels successfully evaded any such attacks.
Impact on Strategic Shipping Lanes
The announcement follows a recent surge in hostilities, including US forces striking three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday. Despite US efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has persistently disrupted shipping through this vital artery for global oil and gas supplies. Historically, approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments transited the strait before the conflict.
Recent shipping data indicates a dramatic decline, with an average of just 10 commodity vessels per day transiting the strait over the past ten days—the lowest level recorded since May.
Iran's Enduring Capabilities and Leverage
Even as US attacks have degraded Iran's conventional forces and intensified economic pressure, Tehran has maintained its missile and drone capabilities. Iran leverages the threat against tankers and Gulf neighbors hosting US military bases as a strategic advantage. The Qassem Basir missile, touted by Iran, is described as an upgraded ballistic missile featuring improved maneuverability and a guidance system designed to counter electronic warfare.
The current conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28. President Donald Trump has outlined US objectives as ending Iran’s nuclear program and its capacity to attack neighbors, while Tehran’s clerical leadership remains in power and continues to demand sanctions relief.