Iran Plans to Expand Gulf Maritime Restrictions Amid Oil Export Challenges

Sep 6, 2026

61 min

Sep 6, 2026 23:30

Iran vows to expand Gulf restricted zone as oil exports crumble — yet Tehran says it’s ‘beating’ US blockade

## Iran's New Maritime Strategy

Iran has announced plans to extend its maritime restrictions beyond the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could escalate tensions with the United States. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, revealed that a new "restricted zone" in the Arabian Gulf will be declared soon. This zone will start from the US naval blockade line and extend into the Gulf, potentially affecting commercial shipping and global oil supplies.

## Impact on Oil Exports

Despite Iran's claims of overcoming the US blockade, data shows a significant decline in its oil exports. Since mid-July, Iranian crude shipments have plummeted from around 2 million barrels per day in March to approximately 220,000-255,000 barrels per day in August. This drop has strained Iran's access to foreign currency, especially as China remains its main oil customer.

## Control Over the Strait of Hormuz

Iran asserts that it maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, with reduced shipping traffic as evidence of its influence. However, the US blockade has severely impacted Iran's oil revenue, challenging Tehran's economic stability. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international waterway for oil and gas transport, and Iran's actions could have broader implications for global markets.

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