Iran Proposes New Strait of Hormuz Shipping Rules, Banning Israeli Vessels

Iran is moving to assert control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz with a new bill that would allow it to regulate passage, levy fees, and ban vessels belonging to Israel and other nations it deems hostile. The legislation has passed a parliamentary commission and awaits a full parliamentary vote. The proposed law aims to give Iran "almost complete" control over both entry and exit from the strait, according to Hassan Gashghavi, a representative of the Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy commission, as reported by Tasnim news agency. Gashghavi stated that ships belonging to the "Zionist regime" and hostile states, or those involved in military actions against Iran or carrying military cargo, would be prohibited from transiting the strait. This bill significantly alters existing legislation, with Article 16 proposing the repeal of any conflicting prior laws, thereby establishing a legal framework for Iran to manage the strategic waterway. The plan also includes charging fees for services such as navigation safety, environmental protection, bunkering, and refueling, effectively creating a payment system for ships passing through. Beyond Israel, the bill restricts passage for vessels from states Iran considers hostile or that have engaged in military actions against the Islamic Republic. Other nations not deemed hostile will still require prior permission from Iran's General Staff of the Armed Forces and must adhere to the new regulations. Additionally, the bill mandates the exclusive use of the Persian Gulf's Farsi name, "Khalij-e Fars," in all official documents and negotiations, prohibiting alternative names like "Arabian Gulf." Gashghavi confirmed the commission's review is complete, and the bill now proceeds to the parliament for a vote, followed by review by the Guardian Council and other legal procedures. If enacted, this initiative would significantly expand Iran's administrative, financial, and military oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially introducing a new regime requiring prior authorization for most maritime traffic.