Parliamentary panel approves bill to tighten control over Hormuz
A 12-article bill aimed at consolidating Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz was approved by the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iran's Parliament, committee member Vahid Ahmadi told ISNA.
The committee has submitted its report on the legislation to Parliament's presidium for review and potential approval during a public session. The timing of the plenary debate will be determined after the presidium reaches a decision.
“Several bills regarding the Strait of Hormuz had been drafted in Parliament, which were referred to the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee," Ahmadi said. "Ultimately, the bill 'Consolidate Iran's Sovereignty in the Strait of Hormuz' was approved in the committee and referred to the presidium for review and approval in the public session."
Ahmadi outlined key provisions of the proposed legislation, stating that it envisions establishing a new legal regime for the strategic waterway. Under the framework, the Islamic Republic of Iran could collect fees in exchange for providing services related to environmental protection and security matters in the Strait of Hormuz.
The bill also includes measures for designating shipping lanes, regulating types of vessels permitted to transit, and imposing restrictions on ships belonging to hostile countries or entities affiliated with them, Ahmadi added.
The legislative push comes against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions. Following initial US and Israeli air strikes in February, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies transit. Since February 28, the country has prohibited vessels from hostile states from passing through the strategic waterway.