IRGC warns ships entering new restricted zone around Strait of Hormuz could face sanctions

# What happened

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any vessel entering a newly declared restricted maritime zone around the Strait of Hormuz could be added to a sanctions list. According to the IRGC spokesperson cited by Fars News Agency, the restricted area begins near Chabahar in southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province and extends into parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

# Why authorities issued the warning

Iran's announcement comes amid an escalation of hostilities that has included attacks on military and commercial vessels. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported several merchant ships were damaged overnight by disabling fire during military activity in the northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Iranian officials have also discussed creating an "exclusion zone" around the strait and have previously blacklisted vessels and warned of penalties for violations.

# Immediate effects on shipping

# What Iran has done or threatened before

Separate Iranian authorities have outlined several enforcement measures against vessels they consider to have violated transit rules. Announcements reported elsewhere include potential fines, detention or confiscation, blacklisting of tankers, and restrictions on future passages. One report noted Iran had blacklisted 45 tankers for breaking its rules for crossing the strait.

# How the warning fits into the broader context

Iranian moves aimed at controlling maritime activity around the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened confrontation with the United States and regional actors. Iranian officials, including the head of the Supreme National Security Council, have discussed new restricted or exclusion zones. Those measures raise practical and commercial uncertainty for shipowners, charterers and insurers operating in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf.

# Practical implications for ships and operators

• Vessels planning routes near Chabahar or through the southern approaches to the Strait of Hormuz should assess whether they would enter the coordinates described by Iran and factor sanctions or denial of future transit into risk decisions.
• Recent damage reports and reduced transit counts suggest increased security and insurance costs, potential crew risk, and disrupted schedules for commodity shipments.

# Bottom line

Iran's IRGC has announced a restricted maritime area beginning near Chabahar and warned vessels that enter could face sanctions. The move follows attacks on vessels and contributes to a marked decline in traffic through one of the world's main energy chokepoints. Operators transiting the region will confront elevated operational, legal and insurance risks while the situation remains unsettled.