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Iran’s parliament is preparing legislation that could restrict the entry of military and commercial vessels from countries Tehran considers “hostile” into the Gulf without Iranian approval, a senior lawmaker has said.
Ibrahim Azizi, chairman of parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said the proposed bill would give Iran greater authority over access to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Speaking on Tuesday, Azizi said the legislation would be among Iran’s most significant laws since the country’s oil industry was nationalised, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
Under the proposed law, vessels belonging to “hostile” countries would require authorisation from Iranian authorities before entering the Gulf, Azizi said. He added that the measure was designed to strengthen Iran’s control over the strategic waterway and enhance security in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a major passage for global oil and gas shipments, with a significant share of the world’s energy supplies passing through the narrow channel.
On August 9, committee spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi said lawmakers had approved a bill focused on securing the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf while supporting sustainable development in the surrounding areas.
The proposed legislation comes as tensions remain high following the US-Israeli war on Iran, which began in late February. Tehran and Washington have not reached a final agreement to end the confrontation, with diplomatic efforts continuing amid concerns over regional stability.
Restrictions on movement through the Strait of Hormuz have already affected global energy markets, disrupting supply chains and increasing uncertainty for countries dependent on oil and gas imports.
Iran has previously threatened to limit access to the waterway during periods of heightened conflict, but any formal move to regulate shipping could increase tensions with countries that rely on the route for international trade.
