Iran Establishes Exclusion Zone Outside Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Tensions

The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict between Iran and its adversaries, particularly the United States. The price of Brent crude oil has reached a nearly seven-week high, trading at $97 per barrel on Monday, amid tensions in the region.

Traffic through the strait has declined to its lowest level since May, with only 10 ships transiting the waterway on average per day. This comes after the US struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to previous attacks by Tehran.

The head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, announced that the country will establish a maritime exclusion zone outside the Strait of Hormuz, where it intends to stop vessels attempting to transit without permission. The new zone is expected to be announced in the coming days and weeks.