Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Can Iran Successfully Enforce a New Maritime Restricted Zone?

Vessels are seen in the Strait of Hormuz, off the port city of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. Iran has announced plans to establish a new restricted zone around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, following a dangerous escalation involving targeted attacks on ships by both Tehran and Washington.

The conflict reignited after a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on June 17 expired last month. The latest hostilities began when Iran targeted US warships patrolling and escorting oil tankers that were attempting to bypass the Tehran-imposed blockade. Simultaneously, a US naval blockade on Iranian ports has severely hindered its oil exports and broader trade.

The collapsed MoU had initially paused months of military hostility, but it fell apart over disputes concerning ultimate control of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has utilized as leverage in its ongoing conflict with the United States. Oil tankers have emerged as primary targets in the US-Israel war on Iran, with Tehran repeatedly issuing warnings against unauthorized passage through the waterway despite increasing tanker traffic.

Before the outbreak of the war, approximately 20 percent of the world's oil and gas supplies passed through the strait. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated that the specifics of the new zone—extending from the US naval blockade line into parts of the Persian Gulf—would be announced soon, warning that any entering ship would face Iranian sanctions.

Meanwhile, the international community and Washington continue to monitor the situation. While US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins dismissed recent Iranian claims regarding attacks as false, commercial shipping volume through the crucial waterway has dropped significantly compared to pre-conflict levels, though flows continue amidst ongoing negotiations.