Iran’s Supreme National Security Council chief Mohsen Rezaei announced plans for a new exclusion zone outside the Strait of Hormuz. Any vessel identified entering the zone with intent to transit will be placed on Tehran’s sanctions list.

  • Iran intends to establish a new exclusion zone near the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Ships entering the zone will be added to Iran’s sanctions list.
  • The U.S. naval blockade line will define part of the zone’s boundary.

On Sunday, September 6, 2026, Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, told state television that Tehran will soon announce an “exclusion zone” outside the Strait of Hormuz aimed at vessels it believes are attempting to transit the waterway.

The declaration comes a day after the United States struck three Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for Iran’s launch of ballistic missiles at U.S. warships. Rezaei said the zone will start from the line of the U.S. naval blockade, extend toward the Strait, and continue into the Persian Gulf. Any ship that enters this area with the intention of passing through the Strait and is identified will be placed on Iran’s sanctions list.

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The exact coordinates of the U.S. blockade remain vague, but the U.S. Navy has deployed more than 20 warships to enforce it, having redirected 92 commercial vessels and disabled three tankers as of September 6. Iran’s move is viewed as a strategic escalation designed to leverage the chokepoint for political pressure.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the exclusion zone could further strain already tense Iran‑U.S. maritime relations, potentially disrupting global oil flows through one of the world’s busiest chokepoints and prompting insurance premiums to spike for vessels transiting the Strait.

"If Iran enforces this zone, shipping companies will be forced to seek alternative routes, likely driving up global oil prices," said Dr. Ali Ahmad, professor of International Relations.
Did You Know?: The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of the world’s petroleum, making it a critical artery for global energy security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What will be the precise boundaries of the exclusion zone?
A1: Tehran has not disclosed exact coordinates, but Rezaei indicated it will start at the U.S. blockade line and extend through the Strait into the Persian Gulf.

Q2: How is the international community likely to respond?
A2: Most Western governments have condemned the move as a threat to regional stability and expressed concerns over its economic repercussions.