Iran to declare restricted zone outside Strait of Hormuz, threatening sanctions on non-compliant vessels

Iran is moving to formalize its grip on one of the world’s most consequential waterways. The country plans to declare a restricted zone outside the Strait of Hormuz and impose sanctions on any vessel that enters without authorization. The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow passage between Iran and Oman through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas travels. What Iran is actually building here Tehran has established a new body called the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which is working alongside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy to enforce stricter transit rules. The supervisory zone has expanded to cover an area described as ten times wider than before, stretching from Kuh-e Mobarak in Iran to southern Fujairah in the UAE. Under the new framework, only routes specifically designated by Iranian authorities are permitted. All others are off-limits, and ships are required to maintain active contact with Iranian naval forces while in transit. Iran has already issued turn-back orders and reported incidents involving tankers that used unapproved routes in June 2026. These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of fragile post-conflict negotiations fol...