Iranian Lawmakers Introduce Draft Bill to Restrict Vessel Passage in Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN — Iranian lawmakers published a draft bill titled the 'Strategic Control of Hormuz Act' on Thursday, proposing strict restrictions on maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The legislation was submitted for review by Iran's Majlis parliament with provisions specifically targeting vessels from the United States, Israel, and nations designated as hostile by Tehran.

The draft bill seeks to grant Iranian authorities expanded powers to regulate or halt passage within the waterway, which serves as a critical global chokepoint for energy shipments. Approximately one-fifth of the world's petroleum consumption passes through the strait daily, linking major oil producers in the Persian Gulf with international markets. The proposed measures would allow Tehran to deny access to foreign naval and commercial ships based on their national origin or perceived alignment with adversarial powers.

The move marks a significant escalation in rhetoric regarding control of the waterway, following years of tensions between Iran and Western nations over nuclear negotiations, regional influence, and maritime security. While previous Iranian officials have frequently threatened to close the strait during periods of heightened conflict, this draft represents a formal legislative attempt to codify such restrictions into law.

The bill outlines specific criteria for identifying "hostile" vessels, though it does not detail the immediate enforcement mechanisms or the timeline for implementation pending parliamentary approval. Proponents within the legislature argue that controlling access is essential for national sovereignty and defense against potential aggression. Critics of the proposal warn that restricting traffic could trigger a severe global economic downturn by disrupting energy supplies to Asia and Europe.

International reaction to the draft has been swift, with maritime experts noting the high stakes involved in any attempt to limit freedom of navigation through international waters. The United States maintains a naval presence in the region specifically to ensure open passage for commercial shipping. Any move to physically block or legally restrict traffic could lead to direct confrontation between Iranian forces and allied navies.

The Majlis is expected to debate the bill over the coming weeks, with committee hearings likely to address the legal implications under international maritime law. It remains unclear whether the legislature will pass the measure in its current form, amend it significantly, or reject it entirely before sending it to the president for signature. The outcome of this legislative process will determine if Iran moves from rhetorical threats to a statutory framework governing access to one of the world's most important shipping lanes.