Iran Threatens Maritime Exclusion Zone Against US Energy Assets

Iran has warned of potential retaliation against US energy assets in the Gulf region. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said that any economic warfare from the US would be met with a maritime exclusion zone extending across the Persian Gulf to the perimeter of the US blockade.

The proposed restricted zone would begin where the US blockade of Iran ends and extend into the Gulf, Rezaei said. Iranian officials have stated that vessels entering the zone could be placed on an Iranian sanctions list, while Tehran plans to announce maps for a new shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.

Houthi militants launched attacks on Saudi Arabia, injuring 73 people, and escalating tensions around regional energy supplies. The escalation came as Tehran stepped up warnings against Washington after US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday.