Iran announces restricted maritime zone beyond Strait of Hormuz

On September 7, 2026, Iran announced plans to declare a restricted maritime zone beyond the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the United States. Iranian officials dismissed US accounts of attacks on Iranian oil tankers, asserting that Tehran is acting in self-defense. A senior security official called President Trump's claim that the strait remains open 'a big lie,' and an MP stated Iran would ban sanctioning countries from transiting the waterway. Additionally, Iran suggested a deal with Oman on the strait could be reached within days, while vowing to act against vessels beyond the strait.