Iran Threatens Shipping Zone Near Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions

Iran's Supreme National Security Council official, Mohsen Rezaei, announced on Sunday that Iran will soon declare a restricted navigation zone outside the Strait of Hormuz, encompassing parts of the Persian Gulf. Any vessel entering this zone, which begins at the US naval blockade line, will be subject to sanctions. Rezaei dismissed reports of shortages in basic materials due to US sanctions and economic pressure, claiming Iran successfully tested its cruise missile targeting a US aircraft carrier 48 hours prior.

Rezaei asserted that the Strait of Hormuz is "completely closed," with only seven or eight ships passing daily, most carrying essential goods for Iran. He alleged that US vessels often pass near Omani shores and are subsequently attacked. He further stated that Iran continues to sell oil and receive payment, emphasizing that its "hardening" in the Strait of Hormuz is increasing and that sanctions will have a greater impact on Iran in the Strait than missiles.

This announcement follows a significant escalation in the region. US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported attacking three Iranian crude oil tankers on Saturday after Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired ballistic missiles at two US warships. CENTCOM stated that a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer evaded several Iranian attacks, which the US military deemed "unprovoked." In response, US forces permanently disabled two Revolutionary Guards oil tankers, the M/T Downy near Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump posted a doctored image of Iran on his social media platform, Truth Social.