Iran considers bill to block U.S. ships from Strait of Hormuz

Iran's parliament is reviewing a draft bill that would prohibit U.S. vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to local media reports. The "Strategic Measures for Security and Sustainable Development in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf" bill, reviewed by the parliamentary committee on national security, designates adversaries including the U.S. and Israel. Ships from these nations would face a complete transit ban.

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The bill is in the expert review stage.

The draft legislation also stipulates that countries or individuals who have harmed Iran must pay compensation before being granted passage. Unauthorized transit would incur fines up to 20% of the cargo's value. The bill further details Iran's responsibilities in managing navigation, traffic monitoring, and ensuring security and environmental protection within the strait.

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We have reached a mutual understanding regarding the geographical coordinates of the routes discussed by Iran and Oman.

Separately, Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing an agreement to manage maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Sources suggest a plan to divide the strait's shipping lanes into northern and southern routes for a specified period, with outgoing vessels using the southern lane near Oman and incoming ships using the northern lane closer to Iran. After this period, all traffic would be directed through the central waterway. Both nations have also reaffirmed their intention to levy transit fees on vessels passing through the strait, with Iran and Oman jointly managing outgoing traffic and Iran solely managing incoming traffic.

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There is no need for approval or permission, and no tolls or fees. The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, and no party controls its routes or passage rights.

However, U.S. agreement to these measures remains uncertain. President Donald Trump has consistently stated that Iran cannot collect fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing it as an international waterway. Despite U.S. opposition, some analysts suggest Trump may be compelled to accept Iran's terms due to the difficulty of forcibly opening the strait and the U.S. military's limited missile defense capabilities against potential Iranian retaliation. The upcoming U.S. midterm elections also add pressure on Trump to avoid escalating tensions.

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Trump may realize that he cannot let this war continue indefinitely. Something has to be conceded. This could be an acknowledgment of the new reality Iran has created in the strait.