Iran to declare ‘prohibited zone’ near Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions

Iran is preparing to declare a new “prohibited zone” near the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, as military tensions with the United States intensify and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye step up diplomatic contacts to contain the regional crisis.

 

Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei said the proposed zone would extend from the US Navy’s blockade line into parts of the Persian Gulf. He warned that vessels entering the designated area could be placed on Iran’s sanctions list.

 

The announcement comes as Tehran and Washington continue tit-for-tat military action following a prolonged pause in hostilities during much of August. US Central Command said it struck three Iranian tankers on Saturday after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy vessels.

 

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that further attacks on Iranian interests or security would trigger a faster and more severe response. He said the rules of the conflict had changed and called on the US to reconsider its approach.

 

The escalating confrontation has heightened concerns over oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies moved before the conflict.

 

Dar holds talks with Saudi, Turkish counterparts

 

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate telephone conversations with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday.

 

The discussions focused on regional and international developments and follow-up measures under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7.

 

Dar and Prince Faisal reviewed the understandings reached during the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee, held in Istanbul on August 31, and agreed to maintain close coordination.

 

During his conversation with Fidan, Dar expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s hosting of the committee’s first meeting. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation under the agreement as well as developments of mutual interest at multilateral forums.

 

Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held telephone discussions with the Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers on the evolving regional situation and possible diplomatic steps to prevent further escalation.

 

Iran faces mounting economic pressure

 

Iran is also attempting to address growing economic difficulties caused by US sanctions and the disruption of oil exports.

 

Ghalibaf said the country’s economic challenges now include currency volatility, inflation, unemployment and difficulties in managing markets. He stressed that while Iranians could tolerate economic hardship, they expected the government to respond effectively.

 

Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said Tehran would pursue domestic reforms rather than alter its policies in response to US economic pressure.

 

Iran’s oil exports have been heavily disrupted since a US blockade targeting its oil shipments began in mid-April. The country previously exported around 90% of its crude through Kharg Island, making the facility strategically important to its energy sector.

 

US Central Command said that by September 6 it had redirected 92 commercial vessels, disabled three and boarded two as part of efforts to enforce its blockade.

 

US President Donald Trump has also threatened Kharg Island, while Iranian officials have warned of a strong response if the major oil export hub is attacked.

 

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the island had been struck around 550 times in previous months but remained operational.

 

US says oil continues to pass through Hormuz

 

Despite the confrontation, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said oil shipments were still moving through the waterway.

 

He said US transits through the Strait were averaging more than 9 million barrels per day, while alternative pipelines bypassing the waterway were helping maintain more than two-thirds of pre-conflict flows.

 

The latest military exchanges have nevertheless raised concerns about further disruptions and their potential impact on global fuel prices.

 

Iran raises gasoline prices for high-volume users

 

Separately, Iran will increase gasoline prices for motorists consuming more than 110 litres per month from Tuesday.

 

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the existing first and second fuel quotas, covering 110 litres, would remain unchanged. However, purchases under the third quota will rise to 100,000 Iranian rials per litre, equivalent to roughly four US cents at the free-market exchange rate.

 

Consumers can continue purchasing up to 60 litres at 15,000 rials per litre, followed by another 50 litres at 30,000 rials per litre.

 

The government said the higher rate for additional consumption was being introduced in response to the country’s current economic and wartime conditions.