Iran Plans New Gulf Exclusion Zone, Threatens US with Further Missile Strikes

TEHRAN — Iran has announced plans to establish a new restricted maritime zone in the Gulf and warned the United States that it could face further attacks, escalating tensions amid the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Washington.

The announcement came as the Middle East conflict intensified, with Iran and the United States exchanging strikes and regional energy infrastructure coming under attack. Iranian officials said a restricted zone outside the Strait of Hormuz would be announced soon, potentially adding further pressure to one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.

Iranian officials have also threatened to target oil tankers in ports in Kuwait and Bahrain. A maritime security source separately reported that a liquefied natural gas tanker was damaged at Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates, although responsibility for the incident remained unclear.

The latest escalation followed US strikes on Iranian oil tankers. US Central Command said it had destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers, describing them as part of a network supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its regional allies.

Iran subsequently launched a ballistic missile attack against a US base near Al Azraq in Jordan. Iranian state media claimed the strike caused heavy damage, while Jordanian authorities said their air defences intercepted 18 of the 20 missiles, with the remaining two landing in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported by Jordan.

Iran also claimed to have attacked two US Navy destroyers, although the United States had not immediately confirmed the claim.

The developments have heightened concerns over the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. Despite the confrontation, oil continues to move through the waterway, although shipping activity has fallen sharply. Brent crude prices approached $100 a barrel amid fears of further disruptions.

The conflict has also expanded beyond the immediate US-Iran confrontation. Iranian-backed Houthi forces launched drone and missile attacks against several cities in southern Saudi Arabia, reportedly injuring 73 people and damaging energy facilities in Jazan, Abha and other locations.

The growing confrontation is raising fears of a wider regional escalation that could further disrupt global energy supplies, increase oil prices and place additional pressure on international markets.