Iran threatens retaliation and announces new maritime restricted zone

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated following threats from Iranian officials regarding military and energy assets. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that any strike on Iranian assets would result in retaliation, noting that regional energy production chains are highly exposed. This follows warnings from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the vulnerability of the Iranian oil tanker fleet.

In response to maritime pressures, security official Mohsen Rezaei announced plans to establish a new restricted zone in the Persian Gulf and approve new shipping corridor maps through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran intends to restrict access to the Strait unless US-led sabotage and threats against the country cease.

Analysts have also highlighted the strategic difficulty of neutralizing Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Much of Iran's strategic assets are located in deeply fortified underground tunnels and mountain complexes designed to withstand traditional aerial bombardments. Experts suggest that these complex structures, potentially built with foreign expertise, pose a significant challenge to US military capabilities, as complete destruction may require operations far more complex than standard bombing raids.