Iran's Rezaei announces new 'restricted zone' south of US blockade line in Hormuz

Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei announced Iran would establish a 'restricted zone' extending south of the existing US blockade line in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring vessels to follow Iranian transit requirements or be placed on a 'non-compliant vessels list.'

Why this matters. The new zone adds a second layer of transit rules that shipping companies must navigate alongside the US blockade, increasing legal and physical risk for tankers and likely further reducing traffic through the strait.