Iran Announces Restricted Zone Near Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei announced the upcoming establishment of a "restricted zone" near the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran will control. Any vessel entering this corridor without adhering to Iranian regulations will face sanctions. This declaration follows recent clashes in the Persian Gulf. A media outlet affiliated with pro-Iranian militias in Iraq claimed that Iranian missiles were fired at ships accused of violating rules in the strait. Rezaei asserted that Hormuz was "totally closed," contradicting U.S. statements that the waterway remains open. He also claimed Iran conducted a test of an anti-destroyer missile against a U.S. vessel over the weekend. However, Rezaei stated Iran would keep the strait open as long as the U.S. does not threaten or attack it.

U.S. President Donald Trump reacted on social media with images related to Iran, including a distorted map of the region and AI-generated images of military aircraft. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright suggested a nuclear deal with Iran might not occur under the current Iranian administration and that Washington might seek to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities.

In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also adopted a tougher stance, warning Iran of an "unimaginable blow" if it attacked Israel. He described the Iranian regime as weakened and nearing its end.