Iran's Parliament Initiates Legislation to Secure Control Over Strait of Hormuz

▲ Ships in the Strait of Hormuz

Amid escalating tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz and a resumption of military clashes with the United States, Iran has begun the legislative process to exercise control over the strait, according to state-run IRIB and other local media on July 14 (local time).

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, announced on X that day, "In conjunction with the downing of a U.S. drone, a bill titled 'Strategic Measures for the Security and Sustainable Development of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf' was officially introduced to the Iranian Parliament last night."

He did not disclose specific details of the proposed bill or the parliamentary procedures for its passage.

However, he stated, "We remain firm in defending our 'red lines' regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz," adding, "This bill is the first step, and further follow-up measures will follow."

Consequently, it is presumed that the bill includes provisions to justify Iran's exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, security measures to protect the strait, and the imposition of fees on foreign merchant vessels passing through it.

Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ending hostilities, signed by the U.S. and Iran last month, states that "Iran will engage in dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman while consulting with Persian Gulf littoral states to define the future management and maritime services of the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with applicable international law and the sovereignty of the littoral states of the Strait of Hormuz."

Based on this, Iran claims that exclusive authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz has been granted to them. They maintain that after the 60-day follow-up negotiation period with the U.S. expires, they may impose fees on vessels passing through the strait under the pretext of providing services.

Furthermore, as an extension of this logic, Iran has insisted that merchant vessels must use routes designated by Iran instead of the Omani coastal routes supported by the U.S.

Iran has been attacking vessels that pass through the strait outside of these designated routes, and the U.S. has resumed airstrikes on Iran in response.

Ultimately, the military clashes between the U.S. and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz are raising concerns about a return to full-scale war.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously expressed a desire to restore free passage as it was before the war, changed his stance yesterday. He sparked controversy by stating that he would secure control of the strait and, in exchange for guaranteeing the safe passage of civilian vessels, would charge a toll equivalent to 20% of the value of the cargo carried by the ships.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

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