Iran Plans Restricted Strait of Hormuz Zone

Iran says it will soon establish a restricted maritime zone around the Strait of Hormuz and could sanction vessels entering without authorization, while linking continued access to an end to U.S. attacks and threats. Tehran says negotiations with Oman on a temporary safe shipping corridor are nearing completion, but Oman reportedly remains reluctant to endorse Iranian control or fees, leaving the agreement’s status uncertain. The developments come amid escalating U.S.-Iran attacks and competing claims over control of the waterway: Iran says it has struck or deterred vessels, while the United States says its warships intercepted threats and traffic has resumed under naval protection. Disruptions have reduced tanker traffic, pushed oil prices higher and threatened energy supplies, freight markets and importing countries. The crisis has prompted Gulf states to reassess their reliance on Washington’s security guarantees, even as they maintain the U.S. alliance, and has encouraged efforts to reorganize supply chains and develop regional maritime-management arrangements. Separately, Russia condemned reported U.S. missile-launcher deployments in Norway, while a new defensive pact among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye reflects Gulf efforts to diversify security partnerships beyond Washington.