IRGC Announces New Closed Navigation Zone from Chabahar into Gulf of Oman

Iran's IRGC has declared new maritime exclusion zones, initially near the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently expanded to include significant portions of the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. While the exact boundaries, enforcement mechanisms, and specific sanctions for unauthorized vessels remain unclear, this represents a confirmed escalation of Iranian assertiveness in critical international shipping lanes. The move is claimed to be a response to a US blockade and could significantly disrupt global energy transit.