Iran Threatens US With Economic War, New Gulf Exclusion Zone

Iran has threatened the United States with "economic war" and announced the development of a new missile, according to Reuters. Tehran also plans to establish a new "exclusion zone" in the Persian Gulf and alter shipping regulations through the Strait of Hormuz. These developments follow a recent exchange of strikes, with U.S. forces attacking three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday and Iran reporting the launch of a "Qasem Basir" ballistic missile on Sunday.

Despite U.S. efforts to restore free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran continues to impede maritime traffic on this critical energy supply route. No diplomatic breakthrough appears imminent. Iran intends to announce the creation of the new exclusion zone and a revised shipping corridor through the Strait in the coming days. Mohsen Rezai, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated the zone would begin at the U.S. blockade line and extend into the Persian Gulf, with any vessel entering it subject to sanctions.

Rezai reiterated threats against the U.S. on September 8, warning of an "economic war" response with a "maritime exclusion zone" and a revised approach to U.S. warships and bases. Reuters suggests he was referring to the "Qasem Basir" ballistic missile, which Iranian media claimed was launched toward U.S. warships near the Strait of Hormuz, though the U.S. military reported the vessels evaded the attack.

Reuters notes that while U.S. strikes have weakened Iran's conventional forces and economy, Tehran retains missile and drone capabilities to threaten tankers and regional states with U.S. bases. Iran portrays the "Qasem Basir" as an advanced, maneuverable ballistic missile capable of evading missile defense and electronic warfare systems. Fars News Agency reported its first combat use against Israel in June 2025.

Some analysts believe Iran's leverage over the Strait of Hormuz is diminishing due to U.S. sanctions impacting its economy. Historically, the Strait handled about one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies. The U.S. presidential election adds domestic political pressure, as polls indicate public opposition to a war with Iran.

President Trump expressed confidence in winning a war with Iran, predicting a significant drop in oil prices and reiterating his goal of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, his administration has not yet achieved its stated objectives from the "Operation Epic Fury" initiative, launched in February, which aimed to end Iran's nuclear program, halt regional attacks, and foster regime change.

Iran's leadership remains in power and seeks to emerge stronger from the conflict, demanding sanctions relief and potentially charging fees for passage through the Strait. Shipping traffic through Hormuz has drastically decreased, with an average of only ten cargo ships per day in the past ten days, the lowest since May.

Meanwhile, Iran commented on recent Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, which killed at least 12 people according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Tehran insists that any long-term agreement with Washington must include an end to Israeli strikes on Lebanon.