Iran Threatens Hormuz Exclusion Zone as Traffic Slows

Iran has warned that it could impose a maritime exclusion zone from the reported U.S. naval blockade line through the Strait of Hormuz and into the Persian Gulf, requiring vessels to coordinate with Tehran or face sanctions. Tehran says it is preparing an agreement with Oman for a temporary shipping corridor, although the International Maritime Organization has not received an official proposal. Commercial traffic through the chokepoint has fallen sharply, with monitoring data showing only a handful of crossings in recent days as vessels avoid or delay passage amid attacks involving U.S. and Iranian forces. Iran says the strait is effectively closed while U.S. attacks and the blockade continue, while Washington says oil continues to move through the waterway. The disruption has raised concerns about global energy supplies and pushed Brent crude toward $100 a barrel, with analysts warning that expanded attacks on commercial shipping could drive prices as high as $120.