Iran says it will declare ‘prohibited zone’ near Strait of Hormuz in coming days

Iranian officials have announced plans to establish a prohibited zone near the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days. This development follows a period of heightened maritime tension, as traffic through the strategic waterway has declined to its lowest level since May following recent clashes between Iranian and United States forces.

In related developments, the United States energy secretary indicated that while a formal nuclear deal may not be reached, there remains a possibility that Iran's capacity to develop a nuclear weapon could be neutralized. These events occur against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical friction regarding regional security and nuclear proliferation.