Iran Expands Restricted Maritime Zone Beyond Strait of Hormuz into Gulf of Oman

In response to a US naval blockade and ongoing military confrontation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced an expansion of its restricted maritime zone beyond the Strait of Hormuz into parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, stretching from Chabahar. Tehran declared that vessels entering the area without permission will face sanctions. The escalation coincides with Iranian attacks on multiple vessels in strategic waterways, driving Brent crude oil prices above $100 per barrel despite severe damage to Iran's own crude export revenues.

// Background

Tensions escalated dramatically following February 28, 2026, when Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US and Israeli airstrikes. In response to Iranian interference with maritime routes, the US launched a naval blockade in mid-July, causing Iranian crude exports to plummet and restricting Tehran's foreign currency access.

// Key Developments

• Iran extended its maritime no-go zone from Chabahar into the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
• IRGC claimed attacks on over a dozen ships, while UKMTO reported a projectile attack on a foreign tanker off al-Faw, Iraq.
• The US naval blockade severely impacted Iranian oil exports, reducing crude loadings from 2 million bpd in March to 220,000-255,000 bpd in August.
• Global energy markets responded to the chokepoint squeeze, pushing Brent crude prices to $101.21 per barrel.