Iran's parliament is reviewing a proposed law that would prohibit ships from the United States, Israel, and other nations designated as hostile from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
The legislation, tentatively titled the “Strategic Action for the Security and Sustainable Development of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf,” is currently under consideration by the parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee.
Under the proposed rules, vessels belonging to the U.S., Israel, and countries Iran deems adversarial would be barred from the strategic waterway. The bill also seeks to prevent military and civilian cargo identified as supporting Israel from passing through the strait. Additionally, the legislation could allow Iran to deny passage to countries and individuals it holds responsible for damages to Tehran until compensation is provided.
Violators could face substantial penalties, including fines equivalent to up to 20% of the value of a ship's cargo, potentially amounting to tens of millions of dollars. The U.S. and the international community generally consider the Strait of Hormuz an international waterway open to all nations.
The proposal emerges amid ongoing tensions and follows months of conflict that have reduced shipping traffic in the region. Concurrently, Iran and Oman are reportedly negotiating a separate framework for managing maritime traffic through the strait, potentially establishing a jointly managed shipping lane.