Iran Unveils New Persian Gulf Restricted Zone Amid Tensions

Iran plans to announce a new restricted zone in the Persian Gulf and maps for a shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes after recent strikes on oil tankers, which sent prices higher. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said the new zone will begin from where the US blockade of Iran starts and extend into areas of the gulf.

Rezaei stated that any ship entering the new zone would be added to a sanctions list. Maps detailing passage routes for the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital energy conduit, would also be approved soon. The Iranian tanker Kylo was struck by US forces in a recent attack.

Iran's economy is under strain due to US sanctions and oil blockade. The country's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned the US that 'any attack against Iran’s interests and security will receive a faster, heavier and more painful response.' Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said Kharg Island had been hit around 550 times in previous months but continued to operate.