Iran plans to announce a new shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz and establish a restricted maritime area.

(1) Iran is preparing to announce a new shipping corridor across the Strait of Hormuz with Oman’s consent and plans to designate restricted maritime zones around this strategic waterway, adding further uncertainty to already disrupted global shipping routes. (2) Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaee stated that the new restricted area will extend from the US Navy’s blockade line to parts of the Persian Gulf, and vessels entering this area without approval will be placed on a sanctions list. The entrance and exit of the new corridor will be controlled by Iranian forces. (3) Over the past 10 days, the average daily commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was only about 10 ships, the lowest level since May. Brent crude oil rose to around $97.5 on Monday, and WTI climbed to around $92.6, as market concerns about supply disruptions continue to mount. (4) Analysts pointed out that there are doubts about Iran’s ability to forcibly enforce the restrictions, as its vessels and aircraft are vulnerable to US military attacks. It remains uncertain whether the new corridor will be recognized by international shipping companies or be covered by insurance providers. (5) The focus now shifts to the imminent release of Iran’s corridor map and implementation details, as well as whether the US will acknowledge the corridor. Any disagreement could make the region a new flashpoint for confrontation.