Iran parliament to ban US and Israeli ships from Hormuz

Iran’s parliament is reviewing a draft bill that would formally ban commercial vessels linked to the United States, Israel, and other countries it deems hostile from transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed legislation, reported by Iranian state media on August 6 and 7, would also impose fines of up to 20 percent of a vessel’s cargo value for violations. The move risks escalating tensions in a strategic waterway that has been a flashpoint for months, even as diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting settlement continue.

The draft bill, titled the "Strategic Action for the Security and Sustainable Development of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf," is under expert review by a parliamentary committee. According to reports, it would prohibit the passage of U.S. and Israeli-linked ships, block military and civilian cargo tied to Israel, and deny transit to vessels or cargo deemed supportive of actions against Iran’s so-called "Axis of Resistance." Furthermore, countries and individuals judged responsible for causing damage to Iran would be barred from the strait until compensation is paid.

The legislation represents an attempt to codify into Iranian law the restrictive...