Iran-US war latest: Tehran vows to extend ‘exclusion zone’ near Strait of Hormuz after US strikes on tankers

Key Points:

• Iran plans to establish an "exclusion zone" outside the Strait of Hormuz targeting vessels it deems unauthorized, with the zone to be declared soon and extending from the US naval blockade line through the Strait and into the Persian Gulf, according to Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
• The US and Iran have recently exchanged strikes on ships in the region, with the US hitting three Iranian oil tankers after Iran launched ballistic missiles at US Navy ships, escalating tensions and reducing shipping traffic through the Strait to its lowest level since May.
• Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least 11 people, including children and medics, despite a ceasefire agreement, with strikes occurring without prior evacuation warnings and intensifying conflict with Hezbollah.
• Eight Muslim nations condemned Israeli proposals to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza, calling such actions violations of international law that threaten peace efforts and the rights of Palestinians, referencing the US-backed 2025 peace plan.
• Iran will raise gasoline prices for heavy users exceeding 110 liters per month as part of efforts to address economic challenges amid ongoing US sanctions, while maintaining low prices for most consumers to avoid triggering protests.