Iran plans to announce an ‘exclusion zone’ that runs from the U.S. naval blockade line, through the Strait of Hormuz, and into the Persian Gulf

The U.S. military has denied Iran ’s claim to have struck an unmanned American military vessel in the Strait of Hormuz , calling it a “total lie.” A top Iranian official said Tehran plans to announce an “exclusion zone” outside the Strait of Hormuz aimed at vessels it believes are attempting to transit the waterway.

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed seven people and leveled a vacant hospital, according to Lebanese authorities, near an area that has become a flash point in fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Here’s a look at the latest news in the Middle East.

Full coverage can be found here .

Iran says it hit a US boat in the strait State-run media in Tehran said the U.S. vessel was trying to enter an area that Iran says is restricted in the Strait of Hormuz, but Capt.

Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for the U.S.

Central Command, called it “a total lie.” The claim came a day after the U.S. said it struck Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for Iran launching ballistic missiles at Navy warships.

Attacks resumed last week after roughly a month of quiet.

The war began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb.

28.

But negotiations have collapsed after a ceasefire agreement was announced in June, and on-and-off fighting has persisted with both sides trying to inflict military and economic pain .

Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said the era of “proportionate responses” is over and Iran’s retaliation will be “faster, heavier and more painful.” Iran official says Tehran to set up exclusion zone outside strait The new head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said Tehran plans to announce an “exclusion zone” outside the Strait of Hormuz aimed at vessels it believes are attempting to transit the waterway.

Mohsen Rezaei’s comments to Iran’s state broadcaster came with few details, a day after the U.S. struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to Tehran launching ballistic missiles at U.S. warships.

Experts called the launches a dangerous escalation after Iran’s previous attacks at sea targeted commercial shipping.