Iran, which has resumed military confrontations with the United States over control of the Hormuz Strait, has initiated a legislative process to formalize its authority over the waterway.
On July 14, local time, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, announced via X (formerly Twitter) that a bill titled "Strategic Measures for the Security and Sustainable Development of the Hormuz Strait and the Persian Gulf" was officially introduced to the Parliament the previous night, coinciding with the downing of a U.S. drone.
Azizi did not disclose specific details about the bill or its timeline for processing. However, he emphasized, "We maintain a firm stance on protecting our red lines regarding the management of the Hormuz Strait," adding that this bill is the first step and that further actions will follow.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the U.S. and Iran last month includes a provision stating that Iran will consult with Persian Gulf coastal nations and engage in dialogue with Oman to establish future management and maritime service plans for the Strait, in accordance with international law and the sovereignty of coastal nations.
Iran has claimed that this gives it a leading authority over the management of the Hormuz Strait. It has indicated that after the 60-day period for follow-up negotiations with the U.S. concludes, it may impose fees for services provided to vessels passing through the Strait.
Additionally, Iran has demanded that commercial vessels use routes designated by it rather than the Oman coastal route supported by the U.S.
Previously, Iran attacked vessels that strayed from designated routes, prompting the U.S. to resume airstrikes against Iran, labeling these actions as violations of the ceasefire agreement. On the same day, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker operating in the southern route near Oman in the Hormuz Strait was attacked.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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