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Iran announced plans on September 7 for new shipping restrictions in the Middle East, including the introduction of a new maritime corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement followed a weekend of regional attacks on shipping that contributed to an increase in oil prices.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated that the proposed restricted zone would begin near the area of the United States’ blockade of Iran and extend into parts of the Gulf. While specific details regarding the restrictions remain limited, Rezaei indicated that vessels entering the designated area could be placed on a sanctions list. He further stated that the proposed international shipping corridor would pass through Iranian and Omani waters, with Iran expected to play a role in its management. An agreement regarding the corridor is expected to be signed in the coming days.
Rezaei noted that Iran’s commitment to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is contingent upon U.S. actions, accusing Washington of carrying out hostile measures against Iran.
In response to ongoing regional conflict and the disruption of energy routes, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is developing alternative infrastructure for its exports and trade. Anwar Gargash, a presidential adviser to the UAE, addressed the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi on September 7, stating that the country is working to ensure its economy and energy supplies are not dependent on vulnerable routes.
Gargash stated that the UAE is expanding transport and export infrastructure, including increasing port capacity on its eastern coast and developing new pipelines and rail links. He noted that the UAE suspended financial and economic transactions with Iran in August, citing military escalation and missile threats from Tehran.
While Gargash expressed that a functional relationship with Iran could eventually be restored, he warned that rebuilding trust between Iran and its Gulf neighbors would be a difficult process that could take decades. He also called for a more unified security and defense strategy among Gulf Arab states to address regional threats.
Article and image source: iranherald.com
