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Global Press Connect provides independent news and analysis on international politics, the economy, and humanitarian developments. © 2026 GlobalPressConnect | GPC.NEWS Founded and operated by Simone Mayer & Helping Hands for Children Foundation Inc. | Los Angeles, California, USA GlobalPressConnect (GPC.NEWS) is an independent international news organization dedicated to delivering accurate, impartial, and timely journalism. Our mission is to provide verified reporting, editorial integrity, and in-depth coverage of global affairs, politics, business, financial markets, technology & AI, entertainment, humanitarian issues, weather, and breaking news. All Rights Reserved. IRAN PLANS NEW RESTRICTED ZONE NEAR STRAIT OF HORMUZ AS TENSIONS SURGE DUBAI, September 7, 2026 — GPC.NEWS — Iran plans to announce a new restricted maritime zone in the Gulf in the coming days, further raising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz as confrontation between Tehran and Washington increasingly threatens commercial shipping and global energy supplies. Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said the planned zone would begin near the area where Tehran says the U.S. naval blockade operates. Iran also intends to publish maps for a new international shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian officials, vessels entering the restricted area without authorization could face sanctions. Tehran says it has discussed management of the proposed shipping corridor with Oman. The announcement follows a sharp escalation at sea. U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers after Washington said Iranian ballistic missiles had targeted two U.S. Navy ships. Iran's Revolutionary Guard subsequently said it targeted U.S. vessels and commercial tankers it accused of using unauthorized routes. Commercial shipping through the strategically vital waterway has already fallen sharply. Tanker and commodity-vessel traffic through the Strait has dropped to its lowest level since May, with an average of roughly 10 commodity ships per day recently transiting the route. Energy markets are reacting to the growing risk. Brent crude has traded near six-week highs, approaching $98 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate has remained above $90. Analysts warn that a prolonged disruption to shipping through Hormuz could produce a significant global supply shock. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important maritime energy routes, connecting Gulf producers with international markets. Any sustained restriction of commercial traffic could have consequences far beyond the Middle East, affecting fuel prices, inflation and global trade. The latest Iranian move therefore marks another potentially dangerous stage in the confrontation: a military dispute increasingly centered on control of commercial shipping and the economic lifeline running through the Gulf. Sources: Reuters, Associated Press | GPC.NEWS