Iran parliament eyes bill to ban US, Israeli ships from Strait of Hormuz

Iran's parliament is moving to assert greater control over the vital Strait of Hormuz, with a national security committee approving a bill that could bar American and Israeli vessels. The proposed legislation, reported by state television IRIB, also targets ships flying the flags of countries deemed "hostile" by Tehran.

The bill outlines strict regulations for maritime transit through the strategic waterway. It specifically prohibits the transport of any cargo, whether military or civilian, linked to "the Zionist entity" via the Strait of Hormuz. Violators would face significant financial penalties, potentially amounting to 20% of the value of the intercepted goods.

Under the proposed law, the Iranian government would be tasked with managing and regulating maritime traffic, overseeing vessel control, and ensuring security within the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. This would be done in close coordination with the armed forces.

The bill must now proceed through the standard legislative process before it can be definitively adopted and enacted. This move reflects Iran's ongoing efforts to exert influence and control over a critical global shipping lane.