Iran Threatens Ship Blacklist Near Strait Of Hormuz, Slams US Blockade Claims
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Tensions in the Persian Gulf reached a critical flashpoint on Sunday after Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced plans to establish a new restricted maritime zone outside the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Council, declared that any vessel entering this designated area—stretching from the US Navy's blockade line into parts of the Gulf—will be placed on Tehran's official blacklist.
The aggressive move comes amid a sharp war of words, with Iranian authorities dismissing American declarations that the critical oil transit route remains open and fully operational.
Tehran Rejects Washington’s Open Passage Claims
Slagging off claims by US President Donald Trump that maritime transit remains unaffected, Rezaei labelled assertions of an open shipping route a "big lie." According to Iranian officials, the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, with traffic crippled to a mere trickle of seven to eight ships per day—most carrying vital supplies directly to Iranian ports.
While Washington occasionally permits a small convoy of vessels to move via waters near Oman, Iranian officials noted that these ships continue to face frequent disruptions and strikes.
Oman Maritime Agreement And US Sanctions Pressure
To formalise alternative shipping routes, Tehran confirmed it will sign a drafted maritime map agreement with Oman in the coming days, creating a regulated pathway for permitted maritime traffic.
Meanwhile, the economic standoff continues to intensify. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed that Tehran is sitting on roughly 30 million barrels of unsold crude oil originally intended for China, which remains stranded due to the American naval blockade.
Responding to the mounting pressure, Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf issued a stern warning to Washington, declaring that "the rules of engagement with Iran have changed" and urging the US to back down before situation deteriorates further.
