The Strait of Hormuz becomes a fresh flashpoint as the US vows to counter Iran's control of the waterway

A spokesperson for the US State Department said in an interview with Al Jazeera early Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (17 Shahrivar 1405), that the United States will not let Iran disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and hold the global economy hostage. According to Khabar Online, citing Fars, the US diplomat added that Washington will continue decisive action against what they called Iran's attempt to extort the global economy, and that the US is coordinating with partners to declare any Iranian blockage of shipping unacceptable.

The remarks came a day after Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, announced a new restricted zone in the Strait of Hormuz, saying any vessel entering it without coordinating with Tehran would be added to Iran's sanctions list. Iran continues to insist the strait will remain closed to unrestricted transit until US attacks stop.